Slip and fall, or trip and fall, accidents are a very common type of accident and affect over one million Americans each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Personal injury attorney Gary Massey understands that this type of accident can be very dangerous and even potentially fatal for victims; an estimated 17,000 people die each year as a result of slip and fall accident injuries. Second, only to motor vehicle accidents, slip or trip and fall accidents are the most common cause of accidents that lead to personal injury.
In order to prevent a TN slip and fall accident, understanding the common causes may help Tennesseans avoid the hazards that may lead to this type of incident. The following are four causes of slip and fall accidents:
- Wet or slippery surfaces: Wet or slippery surfaces are a major cause of slips. Highly polished floors, such as marble or terrazzo, may be extremely slippery even when dry, and when moisture is present, the chance for a slip increases. Residential dorm bathrooms, food preparation areas, and kitchens also have a high risk for slippery surfaces.
- Insufficient lighting: Insufficient or inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or notice any changes in the walking surface, which may lead to a slip or trip and fall accident.
- Environmental conditions: The likelihood of suffering from a slip and fall accident in the winter is higher as snow and ice outside make walking especially dangerous. Icy conditions warrant more caution and safety when a person is out for a stroll.
- Changes in elevation: Changes in elevation are a major source of trip accidents as even a very slight change can cause a trip. Cracks in the sidewalk, curbs, ramps, or single steps are examples of hazards that may cause a change in elevation.
Gary Massey and the Chattanooga slip and fall accident lawyers with Massey & Associates, P.C. understand the seriousness of this kind of accident and how difficult it can be to recover from. When a slip and fall accident is caused by the negligence of another party, it is imperative to seek compensation from those at fault to help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related costs. To discuss your slip and fall accident claim with a member of our legal team, call (423) 396-0720.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.