Slip/Fall Accident Liability

Over 12,000 people die from slip and fall accidents annually. Over 2.5 million falls on stairways result in about 2 million disabling injuries yearly.According to the National Safety Council, the major cause of accidental deaths and injuries in America s buildings are slip and fall accidents.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 17% of all disabling work injuries are the result of falls. In 1991, the National Safety Council reported 1247 deaths from industrial falls.

Dr. Stephen Rosen [2], states,  The National Safety Council has verified that the major cause of accidental deaths and injuries in America s buildings are slip and fall accidents. More than 50 per cent of all falls are caused by a slippery walking surface, that is, a low anti-slip coefficient of friction surface.

Each year there are over 2 million disabling stair fall accidents, including over 4000 deaths. It is estimated that over 70% of the stair systems in the US have at least one serious defect.

Falls on ramps comprise about 8% of all slip and fall accidents, but with the construction of new ramps (particularly from the American With Disabilities Act), such accidents are on the rise. It has been stated that at least 50% of the new ramps built in the US do not comply with code and ordinances, but are also hazardous to both pedestrians and the handicapped [2].

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[2]- Statistical excerpts taken from:

SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS - Written By Larry M. Roderick, Ph.D., P.E.