It’s no laughing matter when someone slips over some loose grapes or a banana at the grocery store, or a watery floor in a restaurant, and even if someone falls from a chair that improperly maintained. A simple slip or fall could lead to a far more serious injury such as a possible concussion, soft tissue injury, and even a brain or spinal cord injury which could result in a lifetime of suffering, possibly handicapped and in a wheelchair.
According to National Floor Safety Institute, more than 2.2 million Americans seek emergency room treatment each year for an accidental fall making falls the leading cause of emergency room visits. Every 8 seconds, someone is injured as a result of a slip and fall to which more than 21,000 people will die each year. The estimated annual cost of falls is $60-80 billion.
Restaurants, grocery stores and other establishments that are frequently visited by the public have the responsibility to prevent accidental slips and falls by being vigilant with their safety standards. They should frequently inspect working and walking areas by keeping floors clean and clear of debris, and maintain adequate lighting in stairways. In addition, proper safety procedures should be taught to all workers especially at construction sites. Employers must insure optimum safety measures are observed and followed at all times.
The determination of negligence after a slip and fall accident is often more complicated than it might appear. If you feel you’ve been involved in this sort of accident, then it is paramount that you consult with a competent slip and fall attorney that is adept in this particular field of law.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.
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