David M. Benenfeld Blog

Common Cause of Work-Related Injuries: Slip and Fall Accidents

Work-related injuries can range from minor cuts, scrapes, or bruises to serious injuries requiring extended treatment or surgery, with their causes also varying in nature.  Among one of the most frequent causes of workforce injuries are slip and fall accidents, which account for 15% of all work-related injuries, according to a report from the National Ag Safety Database on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website.  In the report, Carol J. Lehtola, William J. Becker, and Charles M. Brown state that more than one million people sustained injuries caused by a "slip, trip, or falling" accident in the year 1999 alone, resulting in the death of over 17,000 Americans.  Workers died in approximately 5,100 of those fatal accidents caused by falls.  What does a work-related injury cost?  According to the report, the cost of one disabling injury averages around $28,000, with the total average including indirect costs at $46,000, a conservative estimate.  When someone dies as a result of an accident that occurred on the job, it costs $940,000, based on the average.  Not included in the figures are personal costs (or family costs) and the pain and suffering associated with the trauma experienced after injury. 

Whether you have suffered a slip and fall injury that occurred on the ground (known as a "same-level fall") or sustained injuries after an elevated fall, the cost of medical bills, other expenses, and pain and suffering may be higher than what you would expect.  A Florida workers' compensation attorney can help you recover the compensation you seek, and a slip and fall accident lawyer can help you file a claim if your injury occurred outside the workplace.  Regardless of your accident, injury, or place it occurred, feel free to contact us at Injury Law Service with your most important questions.  We handle workers' comp. and slip and fall cases throughout the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area and will answer your questions for free.  1-866-943-5766.