Slips and Falls at Work Pose Risks Across Industries

When you are injured in a slip and fall accident at work, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation. No matter whose fault the accident was, let the accomplished attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman help you obtain benefits. We fight for injured workers across Delaware, including Wilmington, Newark, and Seaford.

Many people underestimate the dangers of slips and falls. Yet, almost 600 people died and 47,000 were injured in 2013 due to a fall at work, according to the National Safety Council. These common accidents can cause fractures, bruising, herniated discs, brain injuries, and more. You could be temporarily or permanently disabled. This is a harrowing experience for anyone who depends on their paycheck to cover bills, household expenses, and the mortgage.

Causes of slips and falls

Slip and fall accidents are often the result of poor maintenance, not cleaning up a mess in time, or unsafe work conditions. They could be caused by:

• Icy sidewalks and stairs
• Slick or oily floors
• Spills, both inside and outside
• Property disrepair
• Poor lighting
• Moisture

Trips and falls are also a risk when loose carpeting, open drawers or cabinets, fallen objects, and other hazards pose risks to workers.

While a fall from a height is usually more likely to cause serious injuries, even falls from a level surface can cause severe injuries. You might break your hip, pull a muscle in your back, or hit your head.

Where do slips and falls happen?

A slip and fall accident can happen to any worker in any industry. You could be working in a grocery store and slip on a spilled orange juice container that wasn’t cleaned up properly. You may be in an office environment and trip over unruly wires that weren’t properly secured. Almost any workplace is susceptible to slips and falls, from construction sites to factories to laboratories.

Your employer has the duty to adhere to OSHA regulations for maintaining a safe work environment, as well as other local and state laws that dictate workplace safety. Yet, even if you were totally or partially at fault for the slip and fall, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is a no fault benefit program to help injured workers who are unable to perform their job duties due to a work accident. You should be able to collect workers’ compensation if:

• You were injured while performing your job duties
• You are unable to work because of your injuries

The Delaware workers’ compensation attorneys of Silverman, McDonald & Friedman are advocates for injured workers in Wilmington, Newark, Seaford, and across the state. We fight back against unfair employers who refuse to pay. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. You can reach us by calling 302-888-2900 or filling out our contact form.