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Madison slip and fall accident attorneys

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries

Some studies estimate that as many as one million individuals visit emergency rooms each year as a result of slip and fall accidents. While these types of accidents may result in minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises, they also can result in more severe injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. As a result, everyone should be aware of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries in order to avoid them to the extent possible.

More than half of all slip and fall accidents result from dangerous surfaces. These walking areas may be wet, cluttered, dirty, or have other materials on them. Loose tiles, holes, snags, or rippling in carpeting, and loose floorboards also can contribute to falls. Potholes in parking lots, cracked or otherwise damaged or uneven sidewalks, or rickety staircases are other conditions that may lead to slip and fall accidents.

Weather conditions also contribute to slip and fall accidents. When places of business fail to remove ice and snow from their sidewalks, reasonably clear parking lots, and generally take steps to ensure customers’ safety, they may be responsible for any slip and fall injuries that occur. Additionally, customers often will track ice and snow into stores, which can cause slippery floors. If store employees fail to consistently and completely keep the floors free from water, slush, and ice, slip and fall accidents tend to occur.

Finally, slip and fall accidents often involve elderly people, who may not be physically stable or have difficulty walking. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities, in particular, are common places for slip and fall accidents. If nursing home staff fails to properly supervise patients or properly assist them with physical movement, liability for resulting slip and fall injuries may be an issue.

When you or a family member suffers serious injuries from a slip and fall or any other type of accident, and another’s negligence caused the accident, you may have a personal injury claim under Wisconsin law. Call Boller & Vaughan today at (608) 268-0268, or contact us online at www.bollervaughan.com in order to set up an appointment with one of our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys, and see what we can do for you.