Many people don’t bother thinking about these types of accidents, but slip and fall statistics show they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Unfortunately, slips can cause more than just a nasty fall. Millions of people end up in the ER, looking for medical treatments to ease the consequences of slips and falls, although that’s not the only issue.
Millions of dollars are spent on slip and fall settlements. One of the largest payouts was more than $15 million, and that’s for one case alone. Luckily, slips and falls can be prevented, especially in the workplace. Read more to see how.
Latest Slip and Fall Facts (Editor’s Choice)
- In the United States, one person falls every 17 minutes
- The average slip and fall settlement is $15,000–$40,000
- The highest slip and fall settlement amounted to $16.4 million
- Every year, OSHA’s Protection Standards can prevent more than 5,800 injuries
- In the United States, 51% of all falls are construction falls
- Over 50% of all accident-related deaths are caused by slips and falls
- Each year, more than 700 fatalities are caused by slips, trips, and falls
- Globally, falls represent the second leading cause of unintentional injury or death
Slip and Fall Facts & Numbers
If you’re convinced you’ll never slip and fall, think again. These accidents are more common than you think. Not only elderly slip and fall. Depending on your workplace and surroundings, you might be at risk if you’re not careful.
1. More than 3 million people in the US end up in the ER because of falls
(CDC, Webappa)
Falls are also the number one of 10 leading causes of non-fatal emergency department visits in the US. According to the slip and fall statistics, more than 3 million US residents end up in the emergency department because of falls. This data includes all ages.
2. Average cost of slip and fall is $30,000 to $40,000
(Chopinlawfirm)
Slips and falls can cost a lot of money. According to slip, trip, and fall statistics, medical expenses are sometimes covered by insurance companies, but the patients have to pay some services out-of-pocket, as well. These services may include rehabilitation, prescription drugs, or nursing home care.
3. Over 95% of falls result in hip injury
(CDC)
This injury has a severe consequence on those who fall, both in financial and health terms. For example, over 300,000 older people are hospitalized per year because of hip fractures in the US.
4. Floors cause about two million slip and fall injuries each year
(Cleanlink)
Slips, trips and falls statistics point out that floors and flooring materials directly contribute to two million fall-related injuries per year. Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to reduce the risk of accidents, especially mishaps in people’s homes.
5. One person falls every 17 minutes in the US
(Ohsonline)
One person falls every 17 minutes, and that amounts to about 27,000 falls every day in the US. Falls are especially hard to avoid during winter.
Workplace Fall Statistics & Facts
6. 51% of all falls in the US are construction falls
(Bigrentz, CDC)
Construction workplaces without proper safety standards are a hazard. The most recent data suggests that the construction workplace is dangerous since 51% of all falls in the US happen in construction.
7. Falls on the same level resulted in 146 deaths and 153,140 injuries
(Injuryfacts)
Slips, trips, and falls statistics from 2019 show that the same level of falls happen right after overexertion injuries, resulting in 10 days off work, on average. Luckily, it’s a preventable workplace injury.
8. Falls are 100% preventable
(NSC)
By following safety instructions, everyone can prevent falls and slips. This includes using safety equipment, cleaning the workplace area from dangerous materials before starting work, checking the forecast if working outside, training the personnel, and never using old or damaged equipment.
Slip and fall settlements and payouts
The average payout for slips and falls depends on the details of the accident. For example, one slip and fall accident settlement amount reached $1.5 million for slipping and falling on ice, but the figures can go even higher. What should be considered is the negligence of the property owner, property conditions, injuries, and so on.
9. The average slip and fall settlement falls between $15,000 to $40,000
(Bernsteinandmaryanoff)
The compensation depends on multiple factors. If the sustained injuries are relatively minor, the amount will be lower. According to data, the average payout for slip and fall injuries ranges between $15,000 to $40,000. People usually get compensated based on monetary losses and suffering.
10. Non-fatal workplace injuries cost almost $62 billion in compensation costs
(Hoffmannworkcomp)
According to the latest available data and slips, trips and falls in the workplace statistics, falls are one of the most serious non-fatal injuries in the workplace. Slips and falls are also responsible for more than 50% of all accident-related deaths.
11. The defendant will have 30 to 60 days to pay the compensation
(Usdirectadvance)
If the case is successful for the plaintiff, the defendant will have 30 to 60 days to pay the compensation, depending on the local laws. If the money isn’t paid out in time, the lawyers are likely to force collection.
12. Once the plaintiff gets to court, slip and fall settlements usually last 2 to 3 days
(Usdirectadvance)
Once you’ve prepared all the paperwork and reached court, the average slip and fall settlement will last for about three days if the case is clear. However, if the case is more complicated, it might take up to 5 days to settle.
13. Pain and suffering multiplier goes from 1.5 to 5 and is only one of few methods of calculations
(Alllaw)
This is the first method of calculating the amount that the plaintiff should receive. Then, all the medical bills and lost wages are multiplied by the number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the injury severity. However, insurance companies don’t have to use this method. Instead, they rely on the software to calculate the slip and fall injury settlement amounts.
14. If a severe injury or a retailer is involved, the settlement goes up to $1 million
(Sgplaw)
When a slip and fall case becomes a high-profile one, the amounts can go from $100,000 to $1 million. Whether the case is high profile depends on the injuries and the degree of fault.
15. $1.5 million settlement for slipping and falling on ice is just the tip of the iceberg
(Sgplaw)
Slip and fall on ice settlement amounts can be astronomical. For example, one mother was awarded a $1.5 million settlement amount to compensate for the damages she had from slipping on the ice while she took her child to daycare. She has suffered significant damage to her spine and needed surgery—the amount received covered for her medical bills, and pain and suffering.
16. Slip and fall claims against Walmart have been awarded more than $500,000
(Johnfoy)
However, filing and winning a slip and fall claim against Walmart is tough. One such example is a man named Juan. According to the slip and fall settlements against Walmart in 2019, he tried suing the store for falling but failed to prove it was Walmart’s fault. Unfortunately, he ended up having to pay more than $10,000 to the brand. Nevertheless, some managed to win their case and received about $500,000 to cover the medical expenses.
17. Starbucks had to pay an astonishing $7.5 million to a customer
(Jardinelawoffices)
This case proves that a great lawyer can help raise the slip and fall settlements amounts. The man slipped and fell on the wet floor and has suffered brain trauma. Starbucks attempted settling for about $100,000, but with a good lawyer, the man ended up receiving $7.5 million in the settlement.
18. The highest slip and fall settlement was $16.4 million
(Pulversthompson)
The highest ever payout for slip and fall was far from the average slip and fall compensation. For example, a woman was awarded $16.4 million because she slipped in front of Lowe’s store. There are two other enormous settlements among the top five slip and fall cases, with around $15 million awards for the plaintiffs.
19. Average WSIB claim is around $11,000
(Workplacesafetynorth)
Fall hazards negatively affect the business. For example, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board claim is around $11,000, but suppose all other consequences of falls are taken into consideration, like lost productivity or staff replacement. In that case, the sum can total at about $59,000 per injury, according to the average payout for slip and fall data.
20. Typical payout for pain and suffering after falls is below $15,000
(Justinziegler)
The severity of the injury is the most important aspect considered when pain and suffering compensation is calculated. This is because, in many cases, people won’t end up in a hospital long-term. Another thing that may result in low payouts is that insurance companies use more than 70 factors to calculate the amount of money.
Slip and Fall Injury Statistics
Sometimes slips and falls happen with no consequence or injury, and people move on. However, some injuries demand long-term hospital stay and turn out to be expensive. In the worst-case scenario, the person ends up disabled, but that’s rarely the case.
21. Hip fracture is among the top 5 most common injuries
(Monsourlawfirm)
According to slip and fall accidents statistics, slip and fall can lead to a broken hip at any age. Other injuries are also somewhat severe. Head injuries, neck, back, and spinal cord damage, damaged extremities, or knee and elbow injury are also tough to go through.
22. More than 700 fatalities per year are caused by slips, trips, and falls
(OSHA)
OSHA’s general industry regulations should be taken seriously. Slips, trips, and falls cause more than 700 fatalities and other severe injuries each year, OSHA slips trips and falls statistics show.
23. Falls are 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury or death globally
(WHO)
Falls are a global problem. Approximately 646,000 falls happen per year worldwide. This makes falls the second leading cause of accidental and unintentional injury or death, right after road traffic accidents.
24. OSHA’s Protection Standards can prevent over 5,800 injuries every year
(OSHA)
OSHA’s latest update to the General Industry Walking-Working Surfaces and Fall Protection Standards helps increase protection and change the numbers. Based on slips, trips, and falls statistics from 2019 that OSHA published, over 5,800 injuries and almost 30 yearly fatalities can be prevented if the Standards are followed.
Conclusion
People of all ages can slip and fall. Falls are number one of 10 leading causes of non-fatal emergency department visits in the US. The most common injury is a hip fracture, but spinal cord damages and head injuries are also involved. Medical expenses are sometimes covered by insurance companies, but the patients will have to pay for some services out of pocket.
Slip and fall statistics show that the winter season is the most dangerous of all, although falls in construction present almost a half of falls in the US. OSHA’s working hard to create safety guidelines that would prevent falls in the workplace and help businesses keep their workers safe. Slip and fall accidents are also costly for businesses, as some compensations can be astronomical.
People Also Ask
How many slips, trips, and fall accidents occur daily in the US?
Over one million US residents end up in the ER to treat slip and fall injuries yearly, but not all have to visit the hospitals. The statistics say that, on average, one person falls every 17 minutes in the US. That’s about 27,000 falls each day. Luckily, not all end up with severe injuries, but many elderly people do suffer hip fractures.
What is the average payout for a slip and fall?
The average payout for slip and falls depends on the details of the accident, and it’s somewhere between $15,000 to $40,000. The compensation depends on multiple factors that include the severity of the injury, monetary losses, and suffering. This number is average, but in some cases, people received millions in compensation. For example, the highest settlement was $16.4 million.
What are the three main reasons for slips, trips, and falls?
There are many reasons for slips and falls to happen. The three most common ones at a workplace are uneven floors, unsuitable floor coverings, and wet surfaces. Other reasons are changes in levels, poor lighting, and inadequate housekeeping. All these factors are an employer’s responsibility, and it’s up to them to ensure that there are no hazards in the workplace.
What percentage of major injuries each year are due to a slip, trip, or fall?
Falls are one of the most serious non-fatal injuries in the workplace. Around 37% of all reported injuries were related to slip, trip, and fall accidents. Slips, trips, and falls cause more than 700 fatalities and other severe injuries each year and are responsible for over 50% of all accident-related deaths. Yet, the most common injury from slips and falls is a broken hip.
How long does it take to get a settlement from a slip and fall?
Preparing for a case might take up to two months. Once all the paperwork reaches court, the case should be ruled in a matter of days if all details are clear. If the case is not straightforward, it might take up to five days. The defendant will have 30 to 60 days to pay the compensation; otherwise, the lawyers can force collection.
How much is a slip and fall case worth?
Every slip and fall case is different, and its worth depends on many essential details. For example, the degree of fault, medical expenses, pain and suffering, possible lifetime consequences should be considered. One of the common ways to determine how much the case is worth is using multipliers or specialized software to calculate the amount. Multipliers can range from 1.5 to 5, according to various cases and slip and fall statistics.
