April 4, 2025 | Uncategorized
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that falls are a leading cause of accidental injuries in the United States, including in Oklahoma. “Slips and falls,” in particular, are one of the most common types of serious fall accidents occurring across the country. Obviously, this is because any surface may pose a slip-and-fall risk—whether located at a private home or public place, inside or outside; a preventable fall can happen any place. But as described herein, certain locations may be more prone to slip-and-fall accidents, whether by nature of their purpose or their location.
The Most Common Places for Slip and Falls in Oklahoma
- Retail Stores
Retail locations—such as big box stores, supermarkets, and indoor shopping malls—are among the most common places for slip and fall accidents in Oklahoma. These properties, which range in size from the largest Wal-Marts to the smallest boutique clothing shops, often experience high foot traffic, crowds, and often offer indoor and outdoor locations to shop. Given these factors, there is obviously a significant risk of spills, merchandise being left on the floor, recently mopped areas lacking warning signs, and other common hazards. Accordingly, slip-and-fall accidents are all too common at retail stores across Oklahoma.
- Restaurants, Bars, and Other Eateries
Restaurants, bars, and other shops offering meals present a heightened risk of slip and fall accidents due to frequent spills, dropped food, greasy or wet surfaces, or the like—especially in the kitchen and dining areas frequented by staff and/or patrons. Patrons may also encounter uneven flooring or poorly lit walkways while navigating the premises inside and outside, such as in the parking lot or along sidewalks leading to the entrance of a restaurant, bar, or otherwise. Successful or busy restaurants and bars in particular, especially where continued service demands a fast-paced dining environment, slip-and-fall hazards may present an increased risk to patrons and even cause injury.
- Parking Lots and Garages
Slip and fall hazards in parking lots and parking garages are more common than many people realize, and in Oklahoma, our unique weather can even enhance or contribute to these risks, especially during rain, snow, or freezing temperatures. Other obscured or hidden issues relating to parking locations and structures, such as inadequate (or no) lighting, broken concrete or pathways, or even large cracks and potholes can make it difficult for pedestrians to safely walk to and from their vehicles to any desired establishment or location.
- Sidewalks
Sidewalks, both public and privately maintained, are another frequent source of slip and fall injuries in Oklahoma. Cracked pavement, raised concrete slabs, or obstacles like tree roots or construction materials, can all cause someone to lose their footing, fall, and sustain serious injuries. Some sidewalks are the responsibility of the municipal government, while other sidewalks may be privately maintained. In either case, the person(s) responsible for maintaining the sidewalk may have some obligation to pay for injuries caused by the same.
- Workplaces
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of workplace injuries in Oklahoma, particularly in construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare settings. Hazards may include wet floors, cluttered work areas, unmarked changes in elevation, and loose cords or equipment. If you are injured in an accident at your workplace, however, there are other nuances to consider relating to your injuries—including whether you would prefer to pursue civil remedies or workers’ compensation benefits, as in some circumstances, such benefits may be unequal and/or not simultaneously recoverable.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for a Slip and Fall
Were you hurt in a slip and fall accident in Oklahoma? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Disfigurement and permanent injury;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental Anguish;
- Long-term disability, and/or
- Wrongful death.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Slip and Fall Accident Attorney Today
At McGuire Law Firm, our Oklahoma City slip-and-fall accident lawyers are experienced and well-versed in the law surrounding slip-and-fall accidents, and—to the extent you have questions about your injuries from a slip-and-fall—are ready, willing, and able to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. With offices in Lawton and Edmond, our firm is easily able to represent slip-and-fall accident victims across the State of Oklahoma, including in all major metropolitan areas and small counties alike.