Slip and fall accidents are among the leading causes of injuries nationwide, affecting people in workplaces, public spaces, and even their own homes. In New Jersey, falls account for many emergency room visits, particularly among older adults and workers in high-risk industries. While these accidents can happen anywhere, specific locations pose a greater risk due to environmental hazards, lack of maintenance, or high foot traffic. Understanding where slip and fall incidents occur most frequently can help individuals take precautions and hold negligent property owners accountable when injuries result from unsafe conditions.

Workplaces and Job Sites

Slip-and-fall accidents are a major cause of workplace injuries, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that falls account for a large percentage of work-related injuries and fatalities each year.

• Construction sites. Workers frequently fall from ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops due to unstable surfaces, lack of proper safety equipment, or slippery conditions. In New Jersey, construction-related falls are a leading cause of workplace fatalities.
• Retail and office spaces. Employees in grocery stores, restaurants, warehouses, and office buildings face fall risks from wet floors, loose carpets, and cluttered walkways. Spilled liquids in high-traffic areas increase the risk for both employees and customers.
• Healthcare facilities. Nurses and hospital staff often navigate slippery floors, cluttered hallways, and moving patients, making them highly susceptible to falls. The CDC reports that healthcare workers experience higher rates of slip and fall injuries than most other industries.

Employers must follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to prevent falls by implementing safety training, routine inspections, and proper maintenance. When workplace hazards are ignored, injured employees may have a claim for workers’ compensation benefits or third-party liability if another company’s negligence contributed to the fall.

Retail Stores and Grocery Markets

One of the most common locations for slip and fall accidents is inside grocery stores, shopping malls, and other retail establishments. These settings present multiple hazards for both shoppers and employees, including:

• Spilled liquids and slippery floors from leaking refrigerators, beverage spills, or cleaning solutions. 
• Uneven flooring, torn carpets, and broken tiles create tripping hazards. 
• Poor lighting makes obstacles or wet spots harder to see.
• Cluttered aisles and misplaced merchandise create unexpected obstructions.

Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for customers. If store managers fail to clean up spills, place warning signs, or repair dangerous flooring, they may be liable for injuries under New Jersey premises liability laws.

Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Many slip-and-fall accidents occur in parking lots, sidewalks, and other outdoor public areas. Property owners, municipalities, and private businesses are responsible for maintaining safe walking surfaces, but failure to address hazards often leads to preventable injuries. Icy or snow-covered walkways are a leading cause of falls in New Jersey’s winter months. To prevent accidents, property owners are required to clear sidewalks and entryways within a reasonable time after snowfall. Cracked pavement and potholes create dangerous tripping hazards, especially for individuals with mobility challenges. Further, poorly maintained staircases and railings outside office buildings and apartment complexes contribute to serious fall injuries.

Falls in parking lots and sidewalks can result in broken bones, head trauma, or long-term spinal injuries. When property owners fail to repair unsafe conditions, victims may have grounds for a premises liability claim to seek compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults, according to the CDC, with many occurring in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In New Jersey, a large percentage of hospitalizations due to falls involve individuals over 60 years old.

Factors contributing to falls in nursing homes include:

• Slippery floors and bathroom hazards without proper safety features.
• Poor lighting and lack of handrails in hallways or common areas. 
• Medication side effects that cause dizziness or reduced coordination.
• Neglect by nursing staff, leading to falls from beds, wheelchairs, or while attempting to walk without assistance.

Facilities that fail to implement fall prevention measures may be held liable for negligence. Families of injured residents may be able to pursue legal action if inadequate care or improper facility maintenance contributed to a loved one’s fall.

Private Homes and Residential Buildings

Slip and fall accidents also frequently happen in residential settings, including apartment complexes, rental homes, and private properties. While individuals are responsible for their own home safety, landlords and property managers must ensure that rental units and common areas are well-maintained.

Common fall hazards in residential buildings include:

• Loose handrails or broken stairs in apartment buildings;
• Wet floors and poor drainage in lobbies or entryways; and
• Uneven flooring, torn rugs, or exposed electrical cords that create trip hazards.

Landlords who fail to repair unsafe conditions or provide adequate lighting and security in common areas may be liable for injuries tenants and guests suffer.

Pursuing Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

Evidence can disappear quickly after an accident, making it necessary to report the incident, document conditions, and seek medical attention. Injured individuals may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if negligence plays a role. Holding property owners accountable helps victims secure compensation and prevents future injuries.

Speak with a New Jersey Slip and Fall Attorney Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Unsafe conditions in workplaces, stores, sidewalks, and residential buildings put visitors and residents at risk, and negligent property owners must be held accountable. The dedicated New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Petrillo & Goldberg Law have extensive experience handling premises liability cases and fighting for the rights of injured victims. To discuss your case and explore your legal options, call Petrillo & Goldberg Law at 856-486-4343 today. Our team is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.