From wet floors to construction sites, road maintenance, and more, you need to be wary of a number of hazardous floor conditions. Slipping on such floors may lead to a major injury, ranging from broken bones, head injury, or a range of emotional traumas.
On average, slip and fall accidents account for 12% of visits (1 million visits) to the emergency room all over the US. While many of these are not that damaging, sometimes they may even prove to be fatal! It is the primary responsibility of the management at a given site to ensure that there are significant warning signs and protective measures to avoid the risk of accidents.
In this article, we will take a closer look at slip and fall accidents in Nevada, where they most commonly occur, and the conditions in which you may be entitled to compensation.
Slip & Fall Accidents in Nevada – What Are They?
Slip and fall accidents in Nevada are those which occur when someone trips, slips, or falls due to hazardous conditions of the floor. This may include wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, and more.
The state’s laws have been put in place to protect victims from such dangerous environments while also providing them with compensation for any physical or emotional distress caused by accidents.
For example, under Nevada’s premises liability laws, property owners may be held liable for any dangerous conditions on the premises that result in an injury to someone. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and more.
Where Do Slip & Fall Accidents Most Commonly Occur?
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere; however, there are certain places where they occur more frequently than others. These include:
1. Supermarkets
While grocery stores are full of slippery surfaces that one needs to be careful about (e.g., wet floors, food debris, etc.), it is the duty of store managers and employees to ensure that all surfaces are kept clean and maintained adequately.
At supermarkets, it is important that warning signs are clearly displayed at all times. Placement of these signs and CCTV footage can help prove the store’s negligence in the event of an accident.
2. Construction Sites
Construction sites can be particularly dangerous as they often involve many hazardous materials and equipment. As such, construction site owners and managers must ensure that the premises are kept clean and orderly at all times to minimize the risk of any accident occurring.
3. Road Maintenance
Road maintenance workers can be liable for any dangerous conditions that cause an accident. For example, if a worker fails to put up warning signs or barricades in areas where road works are taking place, then they may be held accountable for any injury caused by it.
Similarly, property owners must also take appropriate measures when carrying out road repairs on their own land. They should always make sure that there is sufficient lighting around the area as well as adequate safety measures in order to prevent slip and fall accidents from occurring.
4. Sidewalks
Sidewalks are often the scene of many slip and fall accidents as they are commonly slippery due to rain or snow. It is important that property owners take appropriate measures to ensure that the walkways around their property remain safe for pedestrians, such as regularly checking for any hazardous conditions which may cause a slip and fall accident.
5. Workplace
Employers are also expected to ensure that their premises remain safe for employees at all times. This includes making sure that any hazards are dealt with promptly and that warning signs are placed in areas that could potentially cause an accident.
At the workplace, there are many common causes of slip and fall accidents, such as wet floors, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, etc. Employers should also consider any additional safety measures that could be implemented to reduce the risk of an accident occurring.
6. Malls & Train Stations
Malls and train stations are also hotspots for slip and fall accidents as they tend to be crowded and contain a variety of slippery surfaces. It is important that proper warning signs are placed in all areas so as to alert shoppers and commuters of any potential hazards. Additionally, adequate lighting should be provided to reduce the risk of an accident.
Basically, tiled, marbled, and otherwise slippery floors are present in all of these places. As a result, it is important to take extra care when walking in such areas and avoid falling and hurting yourself.
7. Casinos & Bars
Casinos and bars, especially tightly packed ones, can present an accident risk due to many people and objects in them. It is important that casino owners and bar staff take the necessary steps to ensure that the premises are kept safe for their guests.
This includes keeping the walkways free of any spillages or hazards, removing any and all debris from the ground, providing adequate lighting on the floor, and making sure that people don’t become overly intoxicated.
The Extent of Damage Slip & Fall Accidents in Nevada Can Cause
Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe head trauma or spinal cord damage. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Other damages they can cause include, but are not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Spinal injuries
- Mild traumatic brain injury
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering.
Slip and fall accidents can be very serious and should not be taken lightly. In such situations, victims should contact an experienced lawyer to help them determine their legal rights and options. The best way to avoid slip and fall accidents is to be aware of the potential hazards that may cause injury.
Conclusion
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but certain circumstances make them more likely than others. By understanding these situations and taking the necessary precautions to avoid them, you can help to keep yourself and those around you safe from harm.
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, then it’s important that you contact an experienced lawyer who can advise you on your next steps. The Bourassa Law Group is a dedicated group of personal injury lawyers in Nevada, ready to fight for you as and when needed. If you have fallen victim to a slip and fall accident in Nevada, call us today at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation!
1-800-870-8910