When you go to work, visit a store, check into a hotel or visit any public place, there could be various hazards that may affect your health and safety. From slippery floors to the presence of tripping hazards, you could find yourself the victim of a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accident. These types of accidents are often the result of the reckless or negligent actions of the property owners or individuals responsible for property maintenance.
Property owners should strive to ensure their premises are as safe to visitors as reasonably possible. One way to do this by having certain standards regarding cleaning practices. Proper cleaning can actually decrease the chance that a slip-and-fall accident will occur. The threat of slip-and-fall accidents is a serious safety concern, and appropriate action can reduce the chance that a visitor, worker or any individual will suffer injuries of any kind.
What you may not know about slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents occur more often than you may think. For example, these incidents lead to approximately one million emergency room visits each year. Victims of these types of incidents may feel embarrassed as they may assume the accident is the result of their own negligent or reckless actions, but in reality, they could be suffering due to factors beyond their control. Consider the following about slip-and-fall injuries and how cleaning practices could help prevent them:
- Soiled floors cause an estimated two million falls each year.
- Falls on slippery floors are one of the leading reasons for workers’ comp claims.
- Approximately 5% of all falls result in a fractured bone.
- Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the main reasons for missed work.
Clean floors and the use of appropriate cleaning supplies can greatly reduce the chance of this type of accident. Other preventable measures include having proper matting on the floor, removal of things that can cause people to trip and having adequate lighting.
Are you a victim?
If you are suffering after a slip-and-fall accident, you may not be to blame for what happened to you. It is possible you are the victim of negligent maintenance or other preventable factors, and you could have grounds to pursue compensation through a premises liability claim. The New Mexico civil justice system provides you the opportunity to seek appropriate compensation and to hold the responsible parties accountable for the circumstances that caused your pain and suffering.