Common Slip and Fall Accidents | Workers Compensation Attorney in LA

Common Causes of Workplace Slip and Fall Accidents from Workers Compensation Lawyers

Slip-and-fall and trip-and-fall accidents constitute a vast majority of accidents in the workplace. These are the types of accidents and injuries that tend to result in major injuries that result in long-term or lifelong disabilities, or even death. These injuries cause workers to miss several days of work leading to loss of income and when catastrophic, could lead to permanent disabilities that could make it impossible for an individual to return to work or earn a livelihood.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls on the same level and falls from elevations account for a majority of workplace injuries. About 65 percent of fall-related injuries occur as a result of falls in the same level. In most industries, 60 percent of injuries result from falls taking place at the same level. More than 60 percent of all falls from elevations occur from a height of under 10 feet, OSHA’s statistics show.

What Are the Common Causes?

There are a number of reasons why slip-and-fall accidents occur in workplaces. Here are some of the most common causes of these mishaps in the workplace:

Stairways

A number of worker injuries can be traced back to dangerous designed stairways or defective stairs. When a stairway is badly designed with uneven steps or unsuitable material or where there is inadequate lighting in a stairway, slip-and-fall accidents could occur. When there are defects in stairways such as broken stairs or unevenness due to wear and tear, serious trip-and-fall accidents could also occur.

Slick or polished floors

The most common cause of a slip-and-fall accident in the workplace is a slippery floor. Water, oil or other liquids that spill on the floor and are not promptly cleaned pose a serious slip-and-fall hazard. For example, a floor that has just been mopped, but lacks a warning sign, could pose a risk of serious injury. Polished floors made up of certain material such as ceramic tile or marble may be slippery even when dry. Choice of flooring material is critical particularly in workplaces where people are on their feet.

Floor openings

This is a risk particularly in construction sites where workers may fall. Holes in floors should be surrounded by railings or have a sturdy covering. Such falls often result in major injuries or death.

If You Have Been Injured

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, there are a number of steps you would be well advised to take in order to protect your rights. First, make sure you report your accident and injuries to an immediate supervisor and/or your employer. Be sure to file a written report and keep a copy for your records. Get prompt medical attention and treatment for your injuries. This helps document your injury and the treatment you received for it.

The next step is to file a workers’ compensation claim, which typically compensates workers for medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. In addition, you may also be able to file a third-party claim against a party other than the employer.

In a workplace slip-and-fall case, this might involve a third-party maintenance firm or the manufacturer of a defective product. An experienced Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer will be able to guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

 

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