Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. From spilled sticky substances in grocery aisles to a hotel lobby’s automatic doors bringing slush and sleet into the main entrance, businesses should stay hypervigilant to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents. However, slips and falls in Connecticut are among the most common injuries in public spaces. These accidents can cause serious injuries, which is why it’s important to contact a slip and fall accident lawyer in Connecticut.
Slip and Fall Statistics in Connecticut
Slips and falls are the primary cause of non-fatal injuries in the state, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. People over 65 are the most vulnerable population for slips and falls. In 2021 alone, 85% of fall-related fatalities and 70% of fall-related hospital admissions were for people over the age of 65. These accidents are the leading cause of death and the second leading cause of all injuries for this demographic as well. Across the country, slips and falls contribute to 4.5 million ER visits annually for people 65 and older.
Top Causes of Slip and Falls
If a slip and fall is caused by property owner negligence, you may be able to file a claim to recover damages and medical expenses with our slip and fall lawyer in Connecticut. Here are some common causes of slip and fall accidents:
Wet Floors
High-traffic areas such as entryways and hallways are especially prone to slick surfaces, making them a common site for slip and fall accidents. When patrons track in water from rain, sleet, or melting snow, the risk of an accident increases significantly. Business owners and their staff have a legal duty to address these hazards within a reasonable timeframe by promptly cleaning up spills and repairing leaks. Employees must also warn patrons of hazardous floor conditions using wet floor signs, cones, or other clear visual indicators.
Transition Areas
Areas that go from one type of flooring to another, such as thresholds, business entrances, and hotel lobbies, are another common place for slip and fall accidents. Changes in flooring structure and transitions from outdoors to indoors can create uneven surfaces and increase accident risk. Other transition areas include electrical wire boxes that protrude over the wall, drains and grates along sidewalks, and thresholds between changing flooring types.
Improper Maintenance
Property owners must address potential hazards and maintain safe conditions throughout their property at all times. Neglecting routine maintenance can create dangerous environments and lead to severe slip-and-fall incidents. Common hazards caused by improper maintenance include:
- Cracked or damaged pavement
- Potholes
- Buckling floors
- Uneven or cracked curbs
- Leaky roof that spills water onto a floor
- Improperly maintained fridges and freezers that cause water to drain onto the floor
Storage Hazards
Businesses often receive shipments and place them in a holding area until they can inventory them and distribute them to the proper departments. These shipments and boxes can become hazardous to patrons if they remain in common walkways and guest-used areas longer than necessary. Hallways and guest areas must be free of hazards and clutter so guests can use all areas safely. This type of hazard is common in mixed-use areas, such as hallways leading to bathrooms and other areas used by both employees and guests.
Common Injuries for Slip and Fall Accidents
Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Connecticut see clients with many serious injuries after a slip and fall. The most common types of injuries after an accident are traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures. In fact, over 88% of ER visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures for people over the age of 65 are caused by falls.
Slip and Fall Laws in Connecticut
When filing a claim after a slip-and-fall accident, you must prove that the business owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address or remove it promptly. This is called actual or constructive knowledge.
If you’re injured on a municipal or state sidewalk or road, CGS § 13a-149 and CGS §13a-144 requires you to notify the town, city, or state within 90 days of the incident for your claim to be valid. That’s why it’s vital to work with a slip and fall accident lawyer in Connecticut to ensure you can receive the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries. We’ll conduct an independent investigation to determine the conditions and actions that led to your injuries and who was negligent.
What to Do After Suffering a Slip and Fall
If you’re injured after a fall on private property or at a commercial place of business, seek medical attention immediately and notify store employees and management. Make sure the store files an incident report and that you receive a copy. Follow up with store management and its corporate office to make them aware of the incident. If you can, document the accident scene as close to the time of the accident as possible, noting weather conditions and other environmental factors. Take pictures of your initial injuries and throughout your recovery. Keep diligent records of your doctor’s visits, medical expenses, and transportation costs.
To file a claim, you must show that you were legally on the premises and that the property owner owed you a legal duty of care, but they failed to provide it. You must also prove that this breach of duty was the primary and direct cause of your injuries, which resulted in tangible damages.
Moore, O’Brien & Dufour: Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers in Connecticut
Our Waterbury, CT attorneys will thoroughly investigate your situation to help ensure you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Act quickly; you have only two years from the accident date to file your claim. If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident in New Haven County, contact Moore, O’Brien & Dufour today at 203-586-0022 to schedule a free case consultation.