Common Carpet Tripping Hazards Can Cause Slip and Fall Accidents

In an instant, you can become a victim of a slip and fall accident. If you have sustained injuries from falling, tripping, or slipping on someone else’s property, you very well may be entitled to compensation. Faulty or unmaintained carpets are a common tripping hazard, particularly at commercial and business properties. At Carpey Law we are experts in slip and fall and can help you receive the compensation you deserve from someone else’s negligence.

Fall Injuries Associated With Rugs And Carpets

According to a recent study published in the National Library of Medicine, approximately 37,991 adults, 65 years of age and older, are treated in emergency rooms across the United States for injuries sustained from falls associated with rugs and carpets (“Slip and Fall Quick Facts | NFSI”). Victims who slip or trip on rugs and carpets are susceptible to a number of serious injuries such as fractures and brain injuries.

The National Floor Safety Institute in conjunction with the CDC and NSC published a quicklist of statistics from fall injuries that were attributed to rugs and carpets. From their list, these facts were most notable:

• Floors and flooring materials are responsible for more than 2 million fall injuries each year as per Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports.
• The Industrial Safety & Occupational Health Markets statistic revealed that employees slipping on slick floors contributed to 85 percent of worker’s compensation claims.
• The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that 22 percent of slip and fall incidents resulted in more than 31 days away from work.
• National Safety Council Injury Facts reported that the medical costs and compensation associated with employee slip and fall accidents are approximately $70 billion annually.
• Statistics from ITT-Hartford Insurance Company in regards to workmen’s compensation revealed falls account for 16 percent of all claims and 26 percent of all costs.

The dangers of carpet and rug tripping hazards are ever-present and the results of these injuries could potentially be devastating. Stuart Carpey can get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Carpet Tripping Hazards

Transition Between Carpet/Rug and Non-Carpet/Rug

Mats, rugs, and carpet account for 30 percent of all falls. (“Slipping and tripping: fall injuries in adults associated with rugs and carpets”) The transition between both carpeted and non carpeted flooring to rugs constitutes a large portion of these falls. Wrinkles or even levels of floor mats or carpet transitions can pose a serious tripping threat. While the intention of the use of mats and runners is for the general good and safety of pedestrians, if they are not properly maintained or installed, they can become a liability hazard through neglect.

Wet Carpets or Rugs

Often in the commercial setting, mats and rugs are utilized to remove liquids that pedestrians could bring into the building. When those liquids permeate the rug or mat and are trapped under it, a potentially dangerous slipping hazard can arise. These particular mats and rugs are intended to prevent moisture and liquids from creating slippery hazards through the rest of the facility; however, if not properly maintained, those same mats and rugs can lead to catastrophic results. Wet carpets can also present a tremendous hazard for pedestrians. If liquids, such as shampoos or cleaning agents, are transferred from the carpet to adjacent flooring, a serious liability can emerge.

Loose, Uneven, or Torn Carpeting

What may look like a simple cosmetic blemish in a torn or creased carpet could lead to a major premises liability issue. Torn carpets are a leading cause of trips and falls and are a tremendous threat to the safety of pedestrians. These tears present a number of hazards as people may trip on the loose carpet material or on the uneven surface that is left when a tear occurs. Bumps and waves in the carpeted area can lead to serious injury.

What To Do If You Are Injured By A Carpet Tripping Hazard

If you have been the victim of a slip, trip, or fall there are several important steps for you to follow to help build your case. First and foremost is your health and well being, so the first step is to seek medical treatment if necessary. Critical steps to follow if you have been injured are:

• Document the item that created the accident. Take pictures and videos of what caused your fall.
• Notify the manager or owner of the premise that you have fallen and request they complete an accident report.
• Collect witness contact information and statements regarding the accident.
  Request in writing that the business preserve any or all surveillance footage of the incident.

And finally, seek the services of an experienced slip and fall attorney such as Stuart Carpey to assist you in building your case and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

How a Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help You

Obtaining the legal services of Carpey Law can be an enormous asset for you in building your slip and fall claim. At Carpey Law, we can assist you with securing fair compensation for injuries by establishing liability on the property owner, maximizing your settlement settlement, and representing you if your case would go to trial. Stuart Carpey will give your case the attention and care it deserves. Contact our office today and put the experience, expertise and power of Carpey Law to work for you.