Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in Texas. When a floor surface is not safe for walking, it may lead to an accident that results in serious harm, such as broken bones and head or brain injuries. Learning where most slip and fall accidents occur can help protect you from this injury risk as much as possible. Speak with a personal injury attorney in San Antonio for legal guidance.
The Workplace
According to the National Safety Council, 46,653 victims died in fatal falls at home and at work in 2022. Deadly falls in the workplace took the lives of 865 workers. Falls at work do not have to involve heights to cause critical injuries; in 2022, 144 worker deaths occurred from same-level falls. Make sure to speak with a work injury lawyer in San Antonio if you are injured.
Although a slip and fall injury could occur in any workplace, the highest number of fatal falls happen in construction, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Workers may fall from scaffolds, ladders or into machinery. Other dangerous industries in terms of slip and fall accidents include retail and hospitality.
Restaurants and Bars
Wet and slippery floors are common in restaurant settings, where spilled drinks and food debris may cover the floor. Crowded bar areas and low lighting may also increase the risk of slip or trip and fall accidents. Restaurants and bars have a responsibility to prevent these incidents with actions such as periodically inspecting the floors and promptly addressing hazards such as spills.
Grocery Stores
Spilled food and drink items also present slip and fall risks at grocery stores in Texas. Staff members at a grocery store or supermarket must be vigilant in identifying potential hazards and remedying them promptly, such as quickly mopping up a spill or putting up “Warning: Wet Floor” signs. The failure to take these preventative measures can increase the odds of a customer slipping and falling.
Retail Stores
Retail stores and shopping malls can be settings for slip and fall accidents if the owner or manager of the establishment does not enforce premises safety protocols. If a floor gets freshly buffed and waxed, for example, slippery floor signs should be posted in visible locations to warn customers. Cluttered aisles can also contribute to fall injuries in shopping centers and big box stores, such as Walmart and Target.
Parking Lots
An establishment that welcomes customers is responsible not only for the safety of its interior, but outdoor spaces, as well. This includes parking lots and sidewalks on the premises. If ice accumulates in the winter, for example, the owner of the property has a responsibility to take measures to prevent slip and fall accidents. Ignoring hazards such as cracked sidewalks and uneven curbs can increase the odds of a customer fall incident.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Texas
Many locations and establishments can become treacherous if the property owner does not prioritize premises safety. If you sustain an injury in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property in San Antonio, the owner or controller of the premises may be financially responsible for your related medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
After your slip and fall, seek immediate medical care for any injuries. Document the incident by requesting an accident report from the property owner or your employer. Take pictures of the property hazard before you leave. When you are ready to file a claim, contact a premises liability attorney to assist you with the legal process. An attorney can investigate the fall, gather evidence of fault and help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.