Did you know that about 8.7 million people end up in U.S. emergency rooms each year because of falls? In fact, the average slip-and-fall injury can add up to costs of about $28,000.
Although some fall accidents cannot be prevented, others are caused when owners and managers of properties in Georgia fail to keep them safe. When this is the case, the injured person can sue the property owner or manager in order to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. However, it is best to prevent these accidents in the first place.
There are several simple ways that property owners or managers can keep their spaces safe and hazard free.
- Proper housekeeping. By keeping objects off of the floors and maintaining flooring, sidewalks and stairs as well as railings, many dangerous falls can be prevented.
- Keep surfaces dry. Many slip-and-fall cases involve wet or icy, unmarked floors. Floors should be kept dry and spills must be clearly identified. Anti-skid, moisture absorbent mats as well as proper area rugs can also help people keep their footing.
- Keep aisles and walkways obstacle free. Clutter in aisles, corridors and entranceways frequently cause trips. All passageways should be kept orderly–this includes keeping cables, extension cords and phone cords next to the walls.
- Proper lighting. Poor lighting is a major safety issue. To maintain proper lighting, areas must not only be well-illuminated, but light switches need to be accessible and fixtures and switches need to be kept in good repair.
When someone is injured in Atlanta because a property owner was negligent, he or she can hold the property owner accountable by contacting a premises liability attorney.
Source: Coast River Business Journal, “5 tips to prevent slips, trips and falls at work and home,” June 19, 2012