Everything You Need to Know About Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of personal injury incidents in the United States and are more than just embarrassing accidents—they can lead to serious injuries and life-changing consequences. 

These accidents can occur almost anywhere, from a wet floor in a grocery store to an uneven sidewalk, and often result in injuries that range from minor bruises to severe trauma. Understanding the scope of slip and fall accidents, including their causes and outcomes, can help you take steps to prevent them and know what to do if you're affected.

Often, these accidents could have been avoided and were caused by someone else’s negligence. This means you shouldn’t bear the burden of someone else’s mistakes. If you get injured, you may be owed compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages from missed work, and even your pain and suffering.

What Is a Slip and Fall?

A slip and fall accident occurs when a person slips, trips, or falls because of a dangerous or hazardous condition on another person’s property. These accidents can happen anywhere, but they are most common in places like grocery stores, restaurants, and other public places where there is a lot of foot traffic.

How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents?

Data from the National Floor Safety Institute shows at least 2,000 cases of slip, trip, and fall accidents occur in the U.S. alone every year, with more than 37 million falls requiring medical attention. Because of this, victims of falling accidents typically carry significant medical debt and care costs.  

Incidents of falling accidents in the United States are increasing year after year. Slip, trip, and fall statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that falling accidents have become more common each year since 2007. 

In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), slip and fall accidents account for around 15 percent of all accidental deaths that are recorded in the United States each year. Only car accidents account for more accidental deaths. The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) released a study that showed slip and fall accidents comprise more than one million emergency room visits each year. Although slip and fall accidents often result in nothing more than a few bumps and bruises, falling to the floor hard can produce severe injuries that require immediate medical care.

Older Americans are most susceptible to injuries from falling accidents. Nearly 3 million elderly Americans visit an emergency care center each year as a result of a falling mishap.

What Are the Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?

The ten most common incidents that lead to a slip and fall include:

1. Beverage Stations

Beverage stations in convenience stores and restaurants are a frequent source of slip and fall accidents. Self-service drink stations often lead to spills as customers inadvertently leave behind trails of soda, water, or other beverages. Over time, these minor spills accumulate, forming slippery puddles that pose a significant safety hazard. Additionally, beverage spills at restaurant tables or counters further contribute to these incidents.

2. Ice Bins

Ice bins, ubiquitous in restaurants and bars, are a primary source of slip and fall accidents for both customers and staff. Employees filling cups and glasses with ice often drop cubes on the floor, which can melt and create a slick surface. Leaks from ice bins exacerbate the problem, turning busy workstations into potential danger zones.

3. Broken Bottles

Convenience and grocery stores, where customers often grab bottled beverages from refrigerators, frequently experience slip hazards from shattered bottles. Spilled liquids from broken containers can quickly create slippery floors. The risk intensifies when broken glass is not promptly cleaned, leaving unsuspecting customers vulnerable to accidents.

4. Ice/Snow

In colder climates, ice and snow present a well-known hazard. Slippery walkways, sidewalks, and parking lots can lead to serious falls if not adequately maintained. Business owners have a responsibility to clear ice and snow from entryways and surrounding areas. Additionally, melted snow near entrances can create pools of water that further heighten the risk of slipping.

5. Public Restrooms

Public restrooms are hotspots for slip and fall accidents, even in facilities with diligent cleaning protocols. Overflowing toilets, leaking sinks, or poorly maintained plumbing can cause water to pool on the floor, creating hazards. High-traffic venues like stadiums, shopping malls, and airports report a particularly high incidence of restroom-related falls.

6. Swimming Pools

Swimming pools, whether privately owned or publicly managed, are another common site for slip and fall injuries. Wet surfaces around the pool area, combined with inadequate drainage or poor maintenance, create hazardous conditions. While user behavior often contributes to incidents, management is ultimately responsible for ensuring safe walking surfaces.

7. Loose Tiles or Carpeting

Not all falls are caused by slippery surfaces. Loose tiles and bunched-up carpeting can cause trip and fall accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas like airports or stores. Passengers rushing through airport terminals, for example, may trip on poorly maintained carpeting, while grocery store patrons can stumble over uneven tiles.

8. Unsecured Electrical Cords

Unsecured electrical cords present a hidden hazard in both commercial and residential spaces. Businesses have a duty to secure cords with industrial-grade tape or other solutions to prevent tripping. The danger is compounded by the fact that people tend to focus on what’s ahead, not directly below them, making a loose cord a deceptively dangerous obstacle.

9. Clutter

Clutter in walkways—whether from empty boxes, misplaced merchandise, or stockroom supplies—can lead to serious trip and fall accidents. Grocery stores, convenience stores, and home improvement retailers often deal with these hazards during stocking operations. Failure to promptly remove clutter puts customers at significant risk.

10. Poor Lighting

Poor lighting can turn otherwise safe environments into accident-prone areas. Dimly lit spaces obscure hazards such as puddles or obstacles, increasing the likelihood of slips and falls. Whether in parking lots, stairwells, or hallways, inadequate lighting plays a significant role in preventable injuries.

Whether caused by environmental factors, poor maintenance, or human error, the risks underscore the importance of maintaining safe premises.

What Injuries Are Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents?

The nature of injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents varies depending on how the victim falls. Some injuries are more prevalent than others and can significantly disrupt a person's daily life.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five falls results in a serious injury. When these accidents occur due to negligence, victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for their damages.

Some of the most common injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents, along with their potential impact, include:

Broken Bones and Fractures

Slip and fall accidents often lead to broken bones or fractures. The CDC reports that more than 95% of hip fractures result from falls, particularly in older adults. These injuries frequently occur when a victim falls sideways, landing with significant force on one hip.

Other common fractures include broken arms, legs, ribs, and wrists. Attempting to brace oneself during a fall—a natural instinct—can lead to breaks in the wrists, elbows, or knees.

Recovering from fractures often requires extensive medical treatment, such as surgeries, physical therapy, and prolonged rehabilitation. These injuries can impose significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Victims should consult with a personal injury attorney to explore their legal options for compensation.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Back and spinal cord injuries are another common consequence of slip and fall accidents. The severity of these injuries can range from minor discomfort to life-altering conditions. Typical spinal injuries include:

• Fractured or cracked vertebrae
• Slipped or herniated spinal discs
• Pinched nerves in the spinal column

These injuries are not only painful but can also lead to debilitating symptoms, such as:

• Severe pain or pressure in the back
• Persistent neck or head pain
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs
• Loss of mobility
• Difficulty walking or balancing
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

In severe cases, victims may experience partial or total paralysis. If you suffer a back or spinal cord injury from a slip and fall accident, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. These injuries often require significant intervention, from diagnostic imaging to surgery and rehabilitation.

A qualified attorney can help you pursue compensation for the medical expenses, lost income, and other damages caused by such injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when a victim suffers a violent impact to the head or body during a fall. Contrary to common belief, a direct blow to the head is not the only cause of a TBI; a strong impact to the body can also jolt the brain, resulting in damage.

TBIs range in severity, with the mildest form being a concussion. However, even "mild" TBIs can have long-term consequences. The CDC highlights that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.

Common symptoms of TBIs include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Persistent headaches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Pupil dilation
• Memory loss or confusion
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Cognitive impairments

If you experience any of these symptoms following a fall, seek medical evaluation immediately. Early intervention can significantly impact recovery outcomes.

Traumatic brain injuries often require prolonged medical care, ranging from diagnostic imaging and hospitalization to rehabilitation and cognitive therapy. Victims are encouraged to consult an experienced attorney to help recover damages for medical bills, loss of income, and the profound emotional toll these injuries can exact.

Lacerations and Deep Cuts

When a victim falls, especially from a significant height, they face the possibility of deep cuts and lacerations. The person may land on broken glass, sharp objects, or other debris. 

This type of injury may require sutures or stitches to encourage healing. Cuts that are very deep may result in nerve or muscle damage, requiring extensive medical treatments and care.

Neck Damage and Injuries

Depending on how the victim lands, they may experience a neck injury. Damage to the bones or soft tissue in the neck can result in serious long-term medical issues. 

One of the most common types of neck injuries is known as “whiplash.” When whiplash occurs, the victim’s upper spinal cord and surrounding soft tissue are damaged because of a violent or sudden jolt. 

Slip, trip, and fall statistics show that these accidents present a wide range of potential hazards. No matter the nature of your falling accident injury, one of the accomplished litigators at Morgan and Morgan can help. 

Our skilled attorneys understand what is necessary to secure compensation for victims experiencing medical issues. Negligent property owners and other parties should be held accountable for the slip and trip accidents resulting from their carelessness.

Who Is Liable or At-Fault for Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries?

A slip and fall accident can happen anywhere, at any time. You could be walking through a parking lot and slip on a puddle of water, or you could be walking down the stairs in your apartment complex and trip on a loose carpet. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be wondering who can be held liable. The answer depends on the circumstances of your accident.

The Property Owner

If you were injured while on another person’s property, then the property owner may be held liable if they were aware of the dangerous condition that caused your accident and did not take steps to fix it. For example, if there was a spill in a grocery store aisle and the employees knew about it but did not clean it up, the store could be held liable if you slipped and fell in that aisle.

The Property Manager

If you live in an apartment complex or rental home, the property manager may be held liable for your injuries if they were aware of the dangerous condition that caused your accident and did not take steps to fix it. For example, if there was a loose carpet on the stairs and the property manager knew about it but did not fix it, they could be held liable if you tripped and fell down those stairs.

The Person Who Caused the Hazard

In some cases, the person who caused the hazard may be held liable for your injuries. For example, if someone spills their drink on the floor and you slip and fall in that puddle of liquid, that person may be held liable for your injuries.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, prioritize your health and safety and seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries won’t show symptoms right away and can worsen over time if left untreated. Medical records can also serve as crucial evidence in your case.

If you are able, notify the property owner, manager, or supervisor and request a written report. Take photos or videos of the hazard, your injuries, and any surrounding conditions that contributed to the fall. Collect contact details from anyone who saw the accident happen.

Next, you should contact Morgan & Morgan. Our personal injury lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and maximize your compensation.

Why Incident Reports Matter

Injuries from a severe trip and fall can impact your physical, emotional, and financial health for years. However, if you fell on another’s property due to a lack of maintenance, you could recover compensation. Completing a trip and fall incident report is a crucial step that protects your rights and can qualify you for a payout. The document can provide vital proof of:

• Your injuries
• The dangerous condition causing your fall
• How the hazard caused the fall and your injuries

Ideally, victims should complete a trip and fall incident report while still on the premises. However, if you are seriously injured, this may not be possible. In that case, try to complete the document as soon as you can, as the incident report could be essential for your compensation claim.

If you tripped and fell at a grocery store or restaurant, the manager might supply you with an accident report template that you can fill in. However, if your fall happened elsewhere, you might have to draft the document yourself from scratch.

When completing your trip and fall incident report, make sure not to omit any details, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Describe the events leading to your fall as accurately as possible. Ensure to include the following facts:

• Your details (name and contact details)
• The time, date, and precise location of your fall
• Weather and environmental conditions
• Contact details of any witnesses or employees present during your incident
• Details of all injuries you suffered in the fall
• The events leading up to your trip and fall
• The hazard causing the accident (a spill, cracked flooring, lack of lighting, etc.)
• Any other information you consider critical

Write down the accident details promptly, ideally on the day of your fall. Memories fade and change over time. Getting the information on paper immediately after the incident can help with your compensation claim, as you might forget critical details in the days and weeks after the fall.

Once you finish your report, ensure to retain a copy and keep it with all the other essential documents for your claim, such as your medical records. If the property owner refuses to give you a copy, scan the report with your phone or take a picture, ensuring the photo is clear and legible.

If you did not receive a copy of the incident report, an attorney could help you recover the document. During a lawsuit, your lawyer can request a copy of the report from the defendant via a subpoena, a court order requiring individuals to provide specific documents.

Even if your injuries are only minor, consider completing an incident report to protect your rights. The report could be critical for getting fair compensation if someone else is responsible for your injuries and losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies usually try to minimize or deny claims. Without an incident report, they may try to dispute that the trip and fall accident happened or claim that your injuries are unrelated.

Filing a report weeks after your fall can raise suspicions and give the other side ammunition for fighting your claim. Failing to file an incident report can significantly decrease your chances of recovering fair compensation.

What Compensation Can I Expect if I’m Injured in a Slip and Fall?

In general, there are two types of damages that can be awarded in a personal injury case: economic damages and noneconomic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value, such as medical bills and lost wages. If you've been injured in a slip and fall, you may be able to recover the following economic damages:

Medical expenses: This includes hospitalization costs, surgery costs, costs for follow-up care, prescription costs, and more.

Lost wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working or have caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover lost wages.

Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries have caused a long-term or permanent disability, you may be able to recover loss of earning capacity damages. This is different from lost wages in that it compensates you for future earnings that you would have earned had you not been injured—even if you can still work. It’s the difference between what you were able to make before the injury and what you can earn after the injury.

Property damage: If any of your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover property damage damages.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are more difficult to quantify than economic damages, but they can often be much greater in value. Noneconomic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount of noneconomic damages that can be awarded will depend on the severity of your injuries as well as the state in which you live—some states place limits on the amount of noneconomic damages that can be awarded in a personal injury case.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are available in some states and are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly heinous or egregious. For example, if the property owner had been warned multiple times about the dangerous condition and people had been injured in the past but still failed to take action to fix it, punitive damages might be appropriate. The purpose of punitive damage is not to compensate the victim but rather to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.

The amount of punitive damages that may be awarded will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the plaintiff's injuries, the defendant's wealth, and the egregiousness of the defendant's misconduct.

What are common reasons for trips and falls? 

Landlords, property owners, and store managers are responsible for keeping tenants and visitors reasonably safe. Lack of maintenance can cause various hazardous conditions that could cause falls and injuries, such as:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Cracks and potholes in sidewalks and parking lots
• Inadequate lighting
• Recently waxed floors
• Ice and snow on untreated walkways
• Broken or missing stairs

Where do most slips and falls occur?

Trips and falls can occur anywhere on private, public, and commercial property. Some of the most common places for slips and falls include:

• Restaurants
• Grocery stores
• Retail stores
• Bars and restaurants
• Construction sites
• Hospitals and nursing homes
• Hotels
• Public transit
• Theme parks
• Parking lots

If you slipped and fell due to a hazardous condition, our seasoned attorneys can determine whether you qualify for compensation and file a claim on your behalf.

Do I need a slip and fall lawyer to file a lawsuit?

If you suffered significant injuries and costs due to a trip and fall on another’s property, hiring an experienced attorney can be vital for receiving the full value of your claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely have victims’ best interests at heart, and you may leave money on the table without aggressive legal representation. Moreover, fighting powerful insurers and their attorneys can be time-consuming and intimidating.

How does Morgan & Morgan help slip and fall victims?

Our experienced slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping injured people like you. We believe that your health and well-being always come first. We could help you get adequate medical assistance so you can recover. However, our strength lies in fighting for the payout our clients need to get back on their feet physically and financially. Ways in which we can help include:

Valuing Your Damages

Knowing your damages is critical for receiving what you deserve. We will assess the impact of an injury on your career, home life, physical and mental well-being, and finances to arrive at a fair settlement figure.

Building Your Case

When we take your case, our slip and fall lawyers and legal team members will start to gather all the necessary evidence required to build a comprehensive claim against the party responsible for your trip and fall.

Taking Your Case to Trial

Insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible. However, Morgan & Morgan never settles for less. We want you to receive the total value of your claim. If the insurer fails to pay up, we will see them in court and fight hard for what you deserve at trial.

Providing a Shoulder to Lean On

For many injured individuals, haggling with insurance companies and filing lawsuits can be exhausting physically and emotionally. We can take some of the stress and worry away, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery. Our attorneys can handle your legal claim from start to finish. During the process, we always have an open ear for your questions and concerns. We not only want you to win, but we also want you to heal and move forward with your life. 

Which damages could I recover in a trip and fall claim? 

The damages you could receive will depend on the extent of your injuries and financial losses. Here are some factors that can influence your final settlement amount:

• Whether you suffered a permanent impairment or disability
• The amount of your medical expenses
• How much income you lost due to your injury
• Your expected future medical costs and income losses
• The extent of your pain and anguish due to the injury

While compensation varies from one claim to another, you could receive awards for the following:

• Healthcare costs
• Income losses
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Pain and anguish
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Disability

Our trip and fall attorneys can assess your specific incident, calculate your present and future expected damages, and determine the worth of your claim.

What happens to your body when you slip and fall?

Slip and fall injuries can cause significant body damage. Most people suffer broken bones and deep cuts after such accidents. But that is not even the biggest problem; you should be concerned about internal injuries.

This is because these injuries do not always show symptoms after the accident. For this reason, you may be tempted to believe that the injuries are not that serious, thus no need for a medical checkup. However, one thing most people do not realize is that internal injuries can cause serious organ damage.

These injuries usually target organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, or even the heart. And when that happens, the injured risk suffering a slow death, especially when they fail to seek immediate medical attention.

Seeking medical attention after such an accident allows medical professionals to detect and manage these injuries early enough.

What if the person at fault cannot afford to compensate me?

When you file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries after a slip and fall accident, the lawsuit does not target the individual who directly caused your injuries. So, for example, if you slipped and fell at a restaurant and then decided to sue, the lawsuit would target the restaurant owner's insurance provider, not the owner. The same applies if you slip and fall on someone's property—such a lawsuit will target the at-fault party's insurance provider, not the individual.

What if someone dies from a slip and fall accident?

When someone dies from a slip and fall accident, their family can file a wrongful death claim. If they win the case, they may recover death benefits and other forms of compensation such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support (if the deceased financially supported the survivors), and long-term expenses such as the cost of tuition.

Is premises liability the same as slip and fall?

No, these two terms are different from each other. Premises liability is the umbrella under which slip and fall cases fall. In other words, slip and fall is just one of the many subcategories of premises liability cases.

I Slipped and Fell at Work. What Are My Legal Options?

If you slipped and fell at work, you may have different legal options. Here is an overview:

Suppose you slipped and fell while on shift, and you are an employee of the company. In that case, you can file a worker's compensation claim with your employer. All U.S. states, excluding Texas, require employers to provide their employees with worker's compensation insurance.

This insurance protects employers against lawsuits when an employee gets injured at work. On the other hand, it compensates the injured employee for their medical costs and lost wages.

You can also file a worker's compensation claim with your employer and a lawsuit against a third party if they contributed to your slip and fall injuries. This option allows you to recover compensation from two different parties simultaneously.

What if my employer refuses to settle my slip and fall case?

If your injury occurred at work or on the job, it is illegal for employers to refuse to settle a valid workers' compensation claim after a slip and fall or any other work-related injury. In that case, you should contact an experienced slip and fall attorney immediately. The attorney will review the unique circumstances of your case and hold your employer liable for breaking the law.

As a result, you may be able to sue your employer directly for refusing to settle your workers' compensation claim. You can also file such a direct lawsuit if the employer does not have workers' compensation insurance, yet you are eligible for such coverage.

Do I need to inform my employer about the accident?

Yes, it is very important to inform your employer about an accident that occurred at work. Even though you may be eligible for worker's compensation, your employer or their insurer will not likely approve your claim with no questions asked.

Keep in mind that your employer will likely not be happy with you filing such a claim because it could mean paying more premiums to the insurance company. Also, the insurance company may want to avoid settling because they make money by disputing claims or paying out the lowest amount possible.

If you fail to inform your employer about the accident, they could claim that you slipped and fell elsewhere and not while working for the company. As a result, you will bear the burden of proof, meaning it will be your responsibility to prove them wrong.

The deadline for informing your employer about the occupational injury varies from state to state. For example, in New York, you have 14 days from the date of the injury to inform your employer about it.

Will my slip and fall case go to trial?

Most slip and fall cases settle out of court. This is because court processes are usually expensive and time-consuming. And since court cases typically attract a lot of publicity, especially those involving big companies and corporations, many businesses prefer settling out of court to preserve their privacy.

That said, there is always a possibility of going to trial. For this reason, it is advisable to work with an attorney who is prepared for both scenarios.

How long will the case take?

The timeline will depend on the specifics of your case. Generally, out-of-court settlements are usually much faster. In addition, if the other party agrees to cooperate, the likelihood of closing the case within weeks or months is always high. On the other hand, if they refuse to settle, the case will likely go to trial, which could take months or even years to settle.

The insurance company contacted me after a slip and fall. Should I talk to them?

One of the main reasons the insurance company will want to contact you after the slip and fall is to find ways to minimize your claim. They will try to blame you for the accident, and if they do not succeed to shift the blame, they will try to find a way to share responsibility, affecting the compensation you may be entitled to. For this reason, it is not advisable to speak with the insurance provider, especially without an attorney.

The insurance company wants me to provide a record statement. Should I?

Any recorded statement you provide can be used against you in court. That is the main reason the insurance company will want you to record a statement. If they contact you to request a recorded statement, ask them to speak with your attorney.

Suppose you do not have an attorney at that particular moment. In that case, you should not respond without finding a lawyer to guide you.

Can I still win if I did not collect evidence during the slip and fall accident?

It may be tricky, but not impossible. An experienced attorney can help gather crucial evidence to prove your case after a slip and fall caused by negligence. To improve the chances of obtaining this evidence, you should contact the attorney as soon as possible. You want to ensure you get in touch with a lawyer when the incident is still fresh.

Can I still recover damages if I was partly responsible for the accident?

It depends on the negligence laws of the state where the accident happened. Some states allow the injured to recover settlements based on the percentage of their contribution to the accident. Other states do not allow the injured to recover any settlement even if they were only 1% at fault. Speak with an experienced slip, trip, and fall attorney to learn more about your options.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Injuries from slip and fall accidents can dramatically affect a victim's quality of life. From physical pain to financial strain, these incidents often have long-lasting consequences. If a negligent property owner or business operator caused your fall, you deserve to hold them accountable—and you don’t have to face them alone. 

Morgan & Morgan’s experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping slip and fall victims seek the compensation they need to recover. Whether you’ve suffered a broken bone, a spinal injury, or a traumatic brain injury, our team can guide you through the legal process to ensure justice is served.

Morgan & Morgan has a proven track record of advocating for slip and fall victims. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.

When negligence causes harm, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Morgan & Morgan is here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.