Slips, trips and falls are one of the leading causes of injury that can result in premises liability cases. These are often caused by wet floors, bad lighting, icy surfaces or neglected upkeep of the property. This article will explore what constitutes a slip, trip and fall and if you can benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable premise liability attorney.

What is Considered Slips, Trips and Falls?

On the surface, slips, trips and falls may all seem the same. However, there are slight differences. A slip is often caused by wet floors, spills or slippery conditions, such as snow and ice. Paired with improper footwear or lack of signage to alert one to the danger, it can cause someone to slip and injure themselves. A trip occurs when one’s foot gets caught on an object or an uneven surface leading to a loss of balance. A fall can occur by moving too far from your center of balance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are one of the leading causes of unintentional injuries in the U.S. 

There were 865 fatalities from slips, trips and falls in the U.S. in 2022, up from 850 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Plus, many more people sustain injuries from these types of accidents in the workplace or public spaces. OSHA provides guidelines to help prevent slips, trips and falls. These include keeping sidewalks and walkways clear, cleaning up spills promptly, providing good lighting and encouraging non-slip footwear. Similarly, the Nevada State Code incorporates safety standards to address these incidents, emphasizing the responsibility of property owners and employers to maintain hazard-free environments to minimize the risk of slips, trips and falls. 

Leading Causes of Slips, Trips and Falls?

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere and can lead to injuries or even death. Here are ten common causes of slips, trips and falls.

1. Wet or slippery floors: Spills and freshly moped or waxed floors can lead to hazardous conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
2. Uneven surfaces: Cracks, potholes or other uneven surfaces can catch someone off guard and cause them to trip and fall.
3. Loose flooring: Boards that aren’t nailed down properly and unsecured flooring make it easy for someone to trip and lose their footing. 
4. Snow or ice: Winter conditions can leave walkways and stairs slick, leading to an increased chance of slipping and falling. 
5. Poor lighting: Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see and avoid obstacles.
6. Improper footwear: Slippery soles, high heels and open-toe shoes can lead to an increase in the chances of slipping or injury. 
7. Lack of handrails: The absence of handrails in stairwells or elevated areas can make it harder to keep one’s balance, increasing the chance of falling.
8. Broken or poorly maintained stairs: Damaged steps, clutter and inconsistent step heights can make staircases an accident waiting to happen.
9. Trailing cables: Cables or wires left across walkways can quickly become tripping hazards. 
10. Cluttered walkways: Poor housekeeping or obstacles like boxes and equipment can block walkways increasing the risk of tripping and falling.

What if I’m Injured in a Slips, Trips and Falls?

Property owners and employers in Nevada have a legal obligation to keep guests and visitors safe. They must ensure that the property is free from dangers and address any issues that could result in a slip, trip and fall. Failure to do so can result in a premise liability lawsuit. Check out the blog post, “What is Premises Liability? What You Need to Know” to learn more about this area of personal injury law. The article goes into detail about the elements and examples of a premises liability lawsuit, typical settlement amounts and how a premises liability attorney can help you in your slip, trip and fall cases.  

Do I need a Premises Liability Attorney?

A knowledgeable and experienced Nevada premises liability attorney is invaluable If you’ve been injured due to a slip, trip or fall. They can help you navigate your case, make sure that the property owner is held accountable for the accident and help get you the compensation you deserve. Check out our blog post “How a Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help You” to learn more about the benefits of hiring a lawyer and what to expect. 

The Law Offices of Friedman & Throop specializes in Nevada premises liability cases and are here to help. Visit our Premises Liability page for more information on how our dedicated team can assist you in navigating the complexities of your case. Contact our offices today at 775-322-6500 to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve.