The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) states that slips and falls account for over 1 million hospital emergency room visits per year. They also represent the primary cause of lost days from work and are the leading cause of occupational injury for people aged 55 and older.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 2018, falls, slips, and trips resulted in six fatal workplace injuries in Pittsburgh, accounting for 26 percent of all workplace fatalities in the area.  

Most slip and fall injuries are preventable. Employers and property owners are responsible for properly maintaining surfaces, walkways, and flooring. If they are negligent in these duties and you are hurt because of it, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

The Pittsburgh slip and fall accident lawyers at Chaffin Luhana represent individuals in premise liability claims, including those involving slip and fall accidents. Give our experienced Pittsburgh fall accident attorneys call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 1-888-480-1123. 

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Pittsburgh 

Slip and fall situations for which you may be able to hold someone legally responsible include the following. 

Wet Surfaces 

Wet surfaces both inside and outside of a facility or workplace pose a serious slip and fall hazard. Property owners and employers should address them quickly, cleaning up spills and keeping equipment and supplies needed to do so readily available.  

Poor Lighting 

Premises owners are required to provide adequate lighting in and around their property and in parking lots to help prevent slips and falls. Particularly in stairways or curbs, it can be easy for a person to stumble or walk into an object if the area is not well lit.  

Owners should install appropriately located light switches and motion lighting where necessary. They should also have generators or battery-powered lighting available as a backup to prevent accidents. 

Unsecured Throw Rugs or Torn, Uneven Carpets 

In a 2013 study, researchers found that an estimated 37,991 adults age 65 years and older were treated in U.S. emergency departments for falls associated with carpets (54.2 percent) and rugs (45.8 percent). Frequent fall injuries occurred at the transition between carpet/rug and non-carpet/rug and on wet carpets or rugs. 

Loose carpeting and rugs can slip out of place, causing a person to lose their footing. Uneven sections of carpet, as well, can lead to a tripping hazard. Property owners need to fix these uneven surfaces as quickly as possible while making sure that throw rugs are properly secured to the floor. 

Unsafe Stairway or Stair Railing 

Stairs present several additional dangers that property owners need to be aware of. The surface may be worn or torn. Loose edges and broken materials can make them unsafe. Something may have been spilled or dropped on the stairs, creating additional hazards.  

The wood or carpet may be worn and dangerous. Outdoor stairs can be icy and slippery. The step height may be uneven, or too steep. The stairway may lack adequate lighting or signs alerting users to potential hazards. Some stairways lack the appropriate handrails. All of these issues may make a property owner liable for someone’s injury on the stairs. 

Broken Elevator or Escalator 

Millions of people use escalators and elevators every day in stores, hospitals, shopping malls, office buildings, apartment buildings, and more. Property owners are responsible for maintaining this equipment because if they don’t, accidents are more likely to occur.  

If you slip and fall on an escalator or elevator, you may have a liability claim if: 

• The owner failed to regularly inspect and maintain these devices 
• The handrails or steps were defective or damaged 
• The bottom of the elevator or escalator stair didn’t line up properly with the floor’s surface 
• There were sudden jolts or fast drops that occurred because of poor maintenance or faulty parts 
• A spill on the surface was not promptly cleaned  

Icy Sidewalks 

Property owners, employers, and cities must regularly clean off and de-ice any walkways around their premises or businesses. If you slip and fall on an icy public street or sidewalk, the city may be liable for your injuries.  

When it comes to residential properties, natural accumulations of snow and ice don’t generally create liability for a home or business owner. In some areas, though, local ordinances may require owners to shovel and treat icy conditions within a reasonable amount of time. If they don’t comply, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur as well. 

Unsafe Amusement Park Rides 

Accidents at amusement parks may occur for a variety of reasons. Park owners must help prevent them by keeping walkways dry, posting warning signs, placing non-slip material where needed, having appropriate lighting, and installing the proper restraints on rides.  

Because water can so easily cause a surface to be slippery, water parks can be particularly hazardous when it comes to slip-and-fall injuries. 

Improper Concrete Maintenance 

The National Safety Council (NSC) notes that improper maintenance and care of floors is a primary reason for slip and fall injuries. If a walkway or sidewalk is uneven or has an uplift, it presents a hazard that can easily cause an accident. Some types of treatment for cement can also make it slippery, and if the premises owner doesn’t warn about the hazard or place anti-slip conditioners on the floor, they may be held liable if someone gets hurt.  

Loose Electrical Cords 

Loose cords and cables placed across walking paths can easily cause a slip and fall accident. Many workplaces have electrical cords connected to machines, and if these are trailed across a walkway, workers may not see them. To prevent accidents, premises owners should use cord covers, route cables along walls or under raised floors, or tie the cords up and off of the floors. 

Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents in Pittsburgh 

Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide variety of injuries, including the following:  

• Sprains and strains: These often occur when victims try to prevent or cushion their fall. 
• Cuts, bruises & contusions: These may not be serious injuries, but they may still be enough to count as a significant loss. 
• Fractures: Bracing for a fall, falling over an object, or falling hard can all cause broken bones, sometimes to the fingers, hands, and wrists, or possibly to the hip or knee. 

• Abrasions and lacerations: A victim falling against something rough may scratch or tear the skin.  
• Soft tissue injuries: These include tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and may require weeks of therapy to heal. 
• Knee damage: A person may twist or hit their knee on the fall, tear a ligament, or dislocate the patella. 
• Shoulder dislocations: If the victim lands on their shoulder, or reaches out to stop the fall, shoulder dislocations and strains may occur. These can require surgery.  
• Spine and nerve damage: Direct trauma to the spine—caused by landing on one’s back, neck, or seat—can cause nerve damage or disc problems that can lead to lasting pain and injury. 

• Traumatic brain injury: If a victim’s head impacts something in the fall, or if the brain receives a powerful jolt, the brain may be injured.  

How to Select a Slip and Fall Attorney in Pittsburgh  

When looking for the best slip and fall attorney in Pittsburgh, ask yourself the following questions:   

Do They Have the Experience You Need? 

Many lawyers handle a wide range of different personal injury cases, and some may not have much experience in slip and fall claims. You want a firm that understands the legalities of these cases, as they are unique. Ask whether the firm has experience in cases like yours. 

Have They Been Successful? 

Experience is one thing—successful outcomes are another. In addition to finding an experienced firm, look for one that can provide testimonials or references that show their successes. Ask about the outcomes of other slip and fall cases. Did the case have to go to trial? What was the verdict? What about before-trial settlements? 

Can They Go to Trial If You Need Them To? 

Though most slip and fall cases settle out of court, sometimes the parties can’t agree. At that point, to best serve your interests, you need a lawyer who is experienced in the courtroom, and can represent you well in a hearing. Sometimes the reputation of a good lawyer is all you need to avoid going to court, as the opposing party will be aware of their expertise. 

Initial Consultation 

Most slip and fall lawyers offer a complimentary consultation before taking your case. This is a great opportunity for you to find out whether the lawyer is the right one for you. 

Some good questions to ask include:  

• How many years have you been handling slip and fall claims?  
• Can you provide me with references and/or testimonials from former clients who had cases like mine? 
• Would you explain to me how a slip and fall claim proceeds through the legal system? 

• Can you represent me through the entire process, even if we have to go to court?  
• What steps do you take to settle a claim before going to court? 
• How do your attorney’s fees work? 
• Can you tell me the strengths and weaknesses of my case? 

What Our Clients Have to Say About Chaffin Luhana 

Below is a small sampling of the recent reviews we have received from our clients: