How to Prevent a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

If your facility has ever been faced with a slip and fall lawsuit, then you would know the damaging financial and reputation repercussions it can cause. No matter what type of facility you own, safety of customers and employees is always a top concern. Since there could potentially be hazardous conditions waiting around every corner, many business owners can find themselves on edge. No matter how protected you think your facility may be, there are always small changes you can make to ensure further protection. Slip and fall accidents account for the leading cause of emergency room visits, making the chance of a potential lawsuit a very real possibility. See below how you can prevent a slip and fall lawsuit from damaging your bank account and reputation.

What a Slip and Fall Could Cost You

To understand the magnitude and importance of preventing a slip and fall lawsuit, you first need to grasp the financial burden it can cause. Every year in the United States, resulting costs of slip and fall accidents are estimated at 13-14 million dollars. When combined with worker’s compensation claims and medical costs, this number can rise to approximately 70 billion dollars annually. Depending on the injuries sustained during the accident, the bills you end up paying could vary based on certain factors. This doesn’t mean you can get away without breaking the bank. The average cost of fighting a slip and fall lawsuit amounts to 50 thousand dollars. If you want to avoid these costly details, ensuring your facility is safe is good place to start.

Examining Potential Hazards

The first step to protection is figuring out the root causes of a slip and fall accident. See below some of the main hazards and what factors can contribute to them.

• Weather: Rain, ice, snow and other wet weather conditions can cause slippery surfaces. If slick floors are not properly maintained slip and falls can happen in entry ways or other areas where foot traffic is common.
• Walking Surfaces: Uneven walking surfaces that contain pot holes, cracks, torn or wet surfaces can be a potential hazard. If a customer or employee is unfamiliar with the area this can lead to a trip, slip or fall and injury.
• Poor Illumination: Dim or inadequate rooms within your facility can lead to several problems. Poor lighting can cause trouble seeing or glares which can then cause a potential accident or injury to occur.
• Elevated Walkways: This can be anything from stairs, elevators, ladders, catwalks and scaffolding. Lack of caution signs and safety precautions could harm those who are unfamiliar.

More potential causes

• Exposed electrical cords
• Loose floorboards
• Recently waxed or cleaned floors
• Lack of adequate handrails
• Debris in walkways.

Managing Hazards with Commercial Mats

Have you ever wished that there was a way to incorporate a “silent safety manager” within your facility? Implementing a commercial mat rental program is the solution you’ve been seeking. Mats stand alone in high risk areas that cannot be watched every second of everyday. Customers often enter facilities with moisture, dirt and debris fixated on the bottom of their shoes. When they walk into your building and step on an entry mat, this potential hazard is eliminated.

Commercial mats are equipped to trap water so slippery surfaces never become an issue. A nitrile rubber backing ensures the mats will never wrinkle or ripple and are always secured to the floor. For example, a scraper mat designed to reach into the crevices of shoes and scrape away unwanted debris. With the proper matting placed in designated areas, the chances of a slip and fall accident occurring will be greatly reduced. Not only will commercial mats prevent slip and fall accidents, they will also continue to improve your facility. Commercial mats can reduce maintenance costs, improve indoor air quality, lower absenteeism and maintain better sanitation.

Don’t allow a slip and fall accident to ruin the financial soundness and overall wellbeing of your facility. Making a simple decision such as investing in a commercial mat rental program can end up saving you time, money and most importantly, a dreaded lawsuit.