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Slip-and-fall hazards in hospitals

On Behalf of | May 22, 2020 | Hospital Negligence |

Much like any business, a hospital needs to provide a safe space for everyone who walks in the front door. This includes patients, doctors, nurses, visitors, family members, delivery drivers and many more. They should not face increased risks due to negligence.

Unfortunately, the proper steps are not always taken, and hazards may remain in place. This can lead, among many other things, to slip-and-fall accidents. To prevent these, those running hospitals need to:

  • Keep floors dry at all times and mark wet floors after spills, cleaning and the like.
  • Prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi on these wet surfaces.
  • Ensures that floors are always clear, even in high-traffic areas.
  • Commit to reducing clutter and keeping hallways clear.
  • Set up all necessary drains, mats, standing surfaces and other safety devices in places where wet floors simply cannot be avoided.
  • Keep all power cords and extension cords out of the hallways.
  • Maintain the flooring itself. This could mean replacing broken tiles, for instance, or ripped sections of carpet.

Imagine that you go to the hospital for surgery. The surgery itself is a success, but then you trip on a cord making your way down a hallway. As you try to catch your balance, you step on a wet patch and fall. This can lead to serious injuries, and it’s important to remove these hazards in a hospital especially because many who visit are already in a rather fragile state.

If you do get injured in one of these accidents due to negligence, you may have a right to seek compensation.

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