Help Prevent and Respond to Slips and Falls: Lessons From Claims

Slips and falls are a frequent source of liability claims at educational institutions and the leading cause of non-fatal emergency department visits in the United States.

Constant foot traffic in buildings and on campus sidewalks creates a continual slip-and-fall possibility, further exacerbated by the many walkways that need to be kept clear of hazards. 

United Educators (UE) reviewed 434 slip-and-fall claims, from higher education and K-12 institutions, that incurred a financial loss and were received from 2016 through 2020. These claims cost our members and UE more than $25 million combined. While the median loss amount was around $15,000, the losses spanned a broad range with some costing under $1,000 and others more than $1 million.

• Document and respond to all slips and falls.
• Know the property and events for which your school is responsible.
• Incorporate signage and physical barriers for hazards that cannot be fixed immediately.