According to research, slip and fall accidents are the second most leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. Motor vehicle accidents take the first spot. Several reasons lead to such accidents. 

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 million falls, 3 million emergency department (ED) visits 800,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths among older adults. 

Over one million U.S. citizens suffer a slip, trip, and fall yearly, with over 17,000 people suffering fatal injuries. These facts should put into perspective just how dangerous these accidents can be. Not only do slip-and-fall accidents lead to expensive hospital bills, but there is also substantial risk of dying. 

You can file a Personal Injury Claim to get compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering. Now that you are aware of these statistics, you can learn to prevent these accidents from occurring. 

Common reasons for slips and falls

Slips and falls can happen for various reasons, from simply tripping over an electrical cord stretched across a hallway or losing your footing. They can occur anywhere, at your home or on public property. Irrespective of how it happens, it is essential to recognize that serious damages are possible. 

Here are some common reasons why people slip and fall:

  • Cracked or broken pavement
  • Poor visibility
  • Poor walking surface conditions
  • Worn or loose carpet and floor boarding

Worn and loose carpets can be a hazard at home, the workplace, and even in public areas such as a store. There is always a chance that a worn or loose piece of carpet or floorboard will cause an accident in any area that receives a lot of foot traffic. 

Injuries caused by worn carpet and floor boarding

The Journal of Injury and Violence Research reveals how dangerous it can be for a home, workplace, or public area to have worn or loose carpet or floor boarding. According to the journal, “loose throw rugs and area carpets with curled edges or folds are among the extrinsic factors most frequently mentioned in the literature as unsafe and potentially increasing fall risk.”

One study of environmental hazards in homes showed that 78 percent had loose throw rugs and 35 percent had curled carpet edges. People who fall because of worn carpet and floor boarding can suffer several severe injuries, such as fractured hips, broken bones, neck injuries, spine injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. 

Many people fall victim to Medical Malpractice when they visit healthcare professionals like a doctor, nurses, pathology specialists, etc. You can include all this in your injury claim and get compensation for all your losses.

How to prevent slips and falls caused by worn carpet and floor boarding

There are several steps that people can take to reduce the risk caused by worn carpet and floor boarding.

  • Install the right kind of carpet – Flooring safety experts say it is best to choose a carpet with a short, dense pile. This provides comfort and cushion without making it a tripping hazard. These carpets are also more durable, which means they won’t wear out as fast.
  • Use non-slip backing – It is also a good idea to buy rugs that include a non-slip backing.
  • Use adequate lighting – Dim lighting makes a slip and fall more likely to occur. Ensure that the area is brightly lit. To provide illumination at night, use nightlights.
  • Install handrails – Handrails should be installed on all stairways, especially in stairwells that are carpeted.
  • Secure rugs – Loose rugs and throw rugs may be stylish, but they can also be significant hazards. In case of a throw rug, try to secure it to the ground. You can also use double-sided tape to prevent the edges from curling up.
  • Keep exits and hallways rug–free – Avoid placing rugs or loose carpeting in exits and hallways. 
  • Keep stairs in good condition – Inspect stairs regularly and make any necessary repairs, as needed.
  • Inspect carpeting and floor boarding – Carpets and floorboards that are well-maintained can last for years. Keep carpets hazard-free, and replace worn and loose rugs and floorboards to ensure they do not lead to slipping hazards.

What to do if you face slip and fall accidents?

  1. Report the Incident – The first step is to notify the owners or people in charge. For commercial properties, like retail stores or restaurants, ask for the highest-ranking person on duty and report the accident.
  2. Gather Evidence – Take photos immediately. Photos and videos should be taken at the moment of the accident and the days following.
  3. Seek Medical Care – The victim should seek medical treatment the same day. Sometimes injuries are not present right away and show up days following the accident.
  4. Hire an Experienced Lawyer – Before talking to either insurance companies or adjusters, it is critical to hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer. One little statement can turn the fault onto the victim and eliminate liability for the opposing party, so it is crucial to have a reputable attorney at your service.