Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog
We’ve all been guilty of laughing when someone in a movie or sitcom slips on a banana peel, but in real life, falls are no laughing matter. In fact, slips and falls in Jacksonville and nationwide are one of the most common occupational safety hazards, accounting for 15 percent of all accidental deaths, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Only motor vehicle collisions cause more accidental deaths.
In 2011, there were 822 occupational deaths caused by falls, OSHA reports, with the average cost being $22,800 per accident. Annually, the cost of slip and fall injuries exceeds $11 billion, according to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index.
Residents in Jacksonville, Florida, are not exempt. We hear reports of those who have slipped in grocery stores, convenience stores, places of business, hotels, restaurants and parking lots, just to name a few. Sadly, most of these injuries can be prevented by following proper safety precautions, such as having handrails on staircases, making sure floors are not slippery or wet and clearing debris from common walkways. Many times, places of businesses neglect to post a sign when floors have been recently mopped.
The average worker’s compensation claim for an on the job slip or fall is $19,000. It is a property owner’s responsibility to make sure the premises are safe. If you happen to slip or fall in a public place, it is a good idea to seek medical treatment as soon as possible and keep any evidence of the hazardous condition, such as photos, security videos and first-hand accounts from witnesses.
Written by Elizabeth Allen
For a free consultation from one of our Jacksonville slip and fall accident attorneys, please call 904-632-0077. We will be happy to meet you at a place that is convenient for you.