Slip and fall accidents are an issue that affects people of all ages. Most of these incidents are preventable through good maintenance and cleanliness of floors and equipment. If you have a slip and fall in Pennsylvania, the state allows you up to two years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
The average cost of slip and fall accidents
The average cost of a slip and fall accident is $30,000–$40,000. When the victim reaches a settlement, the average amount is $15,000–$40,000. Settlements can be even higher in some circumstances. Injuries and negligence of the property owner determine how much the owner may have to pay for a slip and fall. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, you should maintain your home well to prevent injuries on your property.
Falls happen frequently
In the US, a person falls every 17 minutes, and over three million people in the US end up in the ER every year from a fall. If you think over your past year, you’ll probably realize you had a close call or fell at least once. Fifty-one percent of falls in the US are construction-related. Employers should follow OSHA’s Protection Standards to reduce falls in the workplace.
Deaths from slip and fall
More than half of accident-related deaths are from slip and fall accidents. On a global scale, falls are the second leading cause of accident deaths as well as accidental injuries.
Floors are a big culprit
Slippery and unclean floors cause two million slip and fall injuries every year. It’s not just public or business flooring you need to be wary of. Spills on home floors can also cause an accident.
Slip and fall accidents happen more often than many realize. It’s not an issue that just the elderly and construction workers need to be aware of.