A leading cause of accidental injuries in the U.S., slip and fall accidents send nearly 9 million people to hospital emergency rooms every year, according to the National Security Council. Accidental falls are also the second-leading cause of accidental death in the home and community, resulting in more than 25,000 fatalities a year.

Serious injuries can be sustained by anyone who suffers a bad fall, but older adults are more likely to suffer a life-changing, debilitating injury. Each year, one in three adults over the age of 65 is injured in a slip, trip or fall accident. The risk of dying as the result of injuries sustained during a fall increases exponentially with age.

St. Louis retail stores, groceries, shopping centers, restaurants, movie theaters and other property owners have a duty to protecting their customers and employees from slip, trip and fall hazards. Inadequate snow and ice removal, cracked sidewalks, spilled food, wet floors, broken floor tiles, uneven steps and potholes are just a few of the repair and maintenance issues that can present slip and fall hazards. Inadequate building security measures such as missing handrails or dim lighting may contribute to St. Louis slip and fall accidents.

A property owner’s negligence must be proven when slip and fall injuries occur. If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, consult the experienced St. Louis slip and fall attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman immediately. We will fight aggressively to help ensure that you are fully compensated for your injuries.