Car Accident Lawyer
If you have slipped and fallen while working, it make be a wise decision to consult a slip and fall lawyer prior to signing any agreements or waivers. You may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim in addition to a workers compensation claim.
Slip and fall accidents while working are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 40,000 people file a workers compensation claim because of a slip and fall. A further average of 700 workers lose their life.
- 85% of workers compensation claims are the result of an employee falling on a slippery or slick floor.
- 22% of incidents resulted in the employee needing more than 31 days off of work.
- Slip and falls are not the primary cause of fatal injuries, but are the primary cause of lost time from work.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries cost an employer on average of $40,000 per accident.
*Source: https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
In most states, workplaces have legal obligations to take safety measures to guard and prevent slip and fall accidents from happening. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has added to this legislation by setting their own rules for any entity which is required to adhere to their standards. Failure to do so can result in fines, fees, loss of licensure, and even criminal charges.
If you were injured in a slip and fall, or lost a family member, while working, you have the right to explore your legal options. Call a slip and fall workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Jobs, Worksites, and Industries at Most Risk for a Slip and Fall
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that slips, trips, and falls are a persistent hazard that is possible in any occupational setting. However, the following jobs, worksites, and industries carry the most risk for harm done by a slip and fall:
- Construction
- Fisheries
- Health and medical services
- Retail and wholesale
- Building cleaning
- Building maintenance
- Transportation
- Waterworks
- Amusement and entertainment parks
Most fatal slip and falls happen in the construction industry, while most non fatal slip and falls occur in health services and retail industries. The most common causes of a slip and fall include, but are not limited to:
- Unprotected decks, docks, and floor edges
- Broken or lose stairs or railings
- Misuse of safety protection
- Greasy floors
- Spilled liquids
- Wet floors
- Uneven flooring
- Uneven carpeting
- Holes in floors
- Unsafe positioning of step stools, ladders, and other devices
According to OSHA, employers have a duty to:
- Provide fall protection for any elevation exceeding 4 – 8 feet, depending on the industry.
- Provide work conditions free from any known or obvious hazards.
- Ensure all work spaces are kept clean and dry.
- Provide protective equipment free of charge.
- Train workers about any hazards.
- Warn workers about a potential danger.
Call a Slip and Fall Lawyer for Workplace Injuries Now
If you or a loved one slipped and fell while working, you should call a slip and fall lawyer relies on as soon as possible.
