Winter Slip and Fall Injury Statistics

TL;DR

• Slip and fall accident statistics: falls killed 48,308 Americans in 2024 and sent 8.8 million to the ER, per the National Safety Council. In winter, freezing states see 3 times as many snow/ice falls as mild-winter states, per Truveta Research (2024).
• This guide covers the latest U.S. slip and fall statistics, who is most at risk, what injuries winter falls cause, where they happen most, the financial and legal consequences, and what to do if you are injured in a winter slip and fall.

Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S. In 2024, 48,308 Americans died in fall-related accidents, 24% of all preventable injury deaths. How many people die from trip and fall incidents at work: 844 workers in 2024, 17% of all workplace fatalities.

Winter multiplies this risk. More than 70% of the U.S. population lives in areas receiving at least five inches of snow annually. Slips trips and falls winter conditions are predictable, and so are the injuries.

This guide compiles the most current slip and fall accident statistics, with a focus on winter-specific data, high-risk populations, and what the numbers mean for people injured on someone else’s property.

Overview: Slip and Fall Accident Statistics in the U.S.

The scale of slip and fall injuries in the United States is significant across all settings. These are the key figures from the most current federal and independent sources.

48,308 deaths in 2024: Americans died in falls at home and at work in 2024, per the National Safety Council Injury Facts. That figure represents 24% of all preventable injury-related deaths in the United States.

8.8 million ER visits in 2023: more than 8.8 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2023, per the NSC.

844 workers died in falls: workplace falls killed 844 workers in 2024, accounting for 17% of all workplace fatalities and injuring nearly 480,000 more severely enough to require days off work.

$70 billion in annual costs: falls generate approximately $70 billion in medical expenses and workers’ compensation payouts across the United States each year (NSC/CDC).

Second leading cause of death: falls trail only poisoning as the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., per the National Safety Council.

Slips trips and falls statistics globally: the World Health Organization estimates 684,000 fall deaths annually worldwide, making falls the leading cause of unintentional injury death globally.

Winter Slip and Fall Statistics: Why Cold Weather Multiplies the Risk

Slip and fall accidents statistics spike in winter. A 2017 Philadelphia study (Gevitz et al.) found fall injuries peaked during morning hours before snow removal crews treated sidewalks. Slips trips and falls winter incidents concentrate in early morning hours, cited in Truveta Research (2024).

Ice and Snow-Related Slip and Fall Data

Truveta Research analyzed 5.77 million ED visits (December 2019 to March 2023) and found 13.1 ED visits for snow/ice falls per 10,000 ED visits. Sports falls were excluded. Full methodology at Truveta Research.

States with freezing temperatures saw 3 times as many snow and ice fall injuries as mild-winter states, per Truveta Research. During the winter of 2021-2022, ED visits for snow and ice falls reached 41.4 per 10,000 visits in freezing-weather states.

Of those snow and ice falls that brought someone to the emergency room, 22.5% were associated with at least one fracture, dislocation, or sprain, per Truveta Research. That figure underscores why a slip and fall on snow carries far more injury risk than most people anticipate.

How Many People Die From Winter Slip and Falls?

The CDC does not track winter fall fatalities separately. The age-adjusted fall death rate for adults 65 and older reached 78.4 per 100,000 in 2024, up 21% from 2018, per CDC data (2024). This is the population most severely affected by winter falls.

How many people die from tripping and falling each year: 48,308 in 2024. Hip fractures from winter falls significantly contribute to 12-month mortality in older adults (UCLA Health). For legal context, see who is liable in a personal injury case.

Who Is Most at Risk for a Serious Slip and Fall?

Slip and fall statistics consistently show certain populations face disproportionately high injury and fatality rates. Age, occupation, and underlying health conditions are the strongest risk factors.

Older Adults (65+)

Adults 65 and older face the highest fall risk of any age group. It was also reported that 1 in 4 older adults falls each year, totaling more than 14 million falls annually. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in this population.

The fall death rate for adults 65+ reached 78.4 per 100,000 in 2024, up 21% from 2018, per CDC data. Truveta Research found adults 65+ had the highest rates of hip, wrist, and shoulder injuries from snow/ice falls. Hip fractures are linked to elevated one-year mortality.

Workplace Environments

In 2024, 844 workers died in falls, representing 17% of all workplace fatalities Nearly 480,000 additional workers were injured severely enough to require days off work.

Construction leads all sectors. Slips trips and falls cause what percentage of construction deaths: 38.4% in 2022, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fall protection violations topped OSHA’s most-cited list for 15 consecutive years, with 5,914 citations in FY 2025. Healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and warehousing are also high-risk sectors.

Other High-Risk Groups

Truveta Research found that adults aged 45-64 represented 34.3% of all snow and ice fall ED visits, the largest share of any group. Children aged 0-17 had the second-highest rate of wrist fractures from snow and ice falls, likely due to the instinct to catch themselves with outstretched arms.

People with conditions affecting balance, vision, or bone density face compounded risk. Osteoporosis, neuropathy, inner ear disorders, and medications that affect alertness or blood pressure all increase both the likelihood of falling and the severity of injuries when a fall occurs.

Most Common Injuries From Winter Slip and Falls

Truveta Research’s analysis of 7,433 patients with snow and ice falls (2019-2023) identified the following injury rates among those who visited the emergency room. Wrist fractures dominated, driven by the instinct to brace for impact with outstretched arms.

• Wrist fractures: 641.4 per 10,000 snow/ice falls. Most common injury overall and highest in adults 65 and older.
• Ankle dislocations/sprains/strains: 447.4 per 10,000 falls.
• Ankle fractures: 345.8 per 10,000 falls.
• Shoulder dislocations: 267.9 per 10,000 falls.
• Proximal humerus fractures: 204.6 per 10,000 falls. Fractures at the top of the upper arm bone.
• Lower back strain: most common in the 18-44 and 45-64 age groups, often linked to shoveling-related falls.
• Hip fractures: 76.5 per 10,000 falls. Less common but most severe for older adults; frequently require surgery.
• Elbow fractures: 39.6 per 10,000 falls.
• Hip dislocations: 34.3 per 10,000 falls.

TBIs are a serious concern in backward falls where the head strikes pavement or ice. Falls are the leading cause of TBI across all age groups. Older adults sustain higher rates of hip and wrist injuries; younger adults show more back strains and ankle injuries.

For a fuller picture of injury types that commonly result from these incidents, the guide on accidental injury types covers how different fall scenarios produce different injury patterns.

Where Do Winter Slip and Falls Happen Most?

Winter slip and falls follow predictable location patterns tied to foot traffic, surface treatment, and property maintenance obligations. For cases involving black ice specifically, the guide on black ice claims covers how liability is assessed when the hazard is invisible.

• Parking lots and driveways: high-traffic surfaces that accumulate ice and compacted snow, often untreated before business hours.
• Sidewalks and walkways: public and private sidewalks subject to local clearance ordinances, with variable enforcement and compliance timelines.
• Building entrances and lobbies: tracked-in snow and ice melt creates wet entry surfaces. Among the most litigated slip and fall locations.
• Stairways and steps: exterior steps become particularly hazardous in freezing temperatures, especially when handrails are absent or inadequate.
• Workplace outdoor areas: loading docks, fire escapes, and delivery areas expose workers to untreated icy surfaces.
• Retail properties: grocery stores, gas stations, and shopping centers carry clear duty of care obligations for winter surface maintenance.

A 2017 Philadelphia study (via Truveta Research) found fall injuries peaked before snow removal treated surfaces. Early-morning falls on fresh ice raise different liability questions than falls hours after conditions developed.

The Financial Impact of Slip and Fall Accidents

The NSC and CDC report that falls generate approximately $70 billion in medical expenses and workers’ compensation payouts annually across the United States. For individual cases, the how damages are calculated guide covers how economic and non-economic losses are quantified in a personal injury claim.

Direct costs per workplace fall incident can exceed $50,000. For older adults, hip fractures frequently require surgery and extended rehabilitation, with UCLA Health documenting the association between hip fractures and permanently reduced independence.

The financial pressure on injured plaintiffs during a pending lawsuit is also real. Medical bills accumulate while income stops, creating pressure to accept early settlement offers that may not reflect the full value of the claim.

Premises Liability and Slip and Fall Claims

Most winter slip and falls on someone else’s property are governed by premises liability law. Understanding what constitutes a valid personal injury case in this context helps injured parties assess whether they have grounds to pursue a claim.

Duty of Care for Property Owners

Property owners, businesses, and municipalities owe a duty of reasonable care to people who enter their premises. In the context of winter weather, this typically means taking timely steps to address ice and snow on walkways, parking lots, and entry areas where people are expected to walk.

Many states have ordinances specifying clearance timeframes after snowfall. Failure to act within those timeframes is strong evidence of negligence. Evidence includes security footage, maintenance logs, weather records, witness statements, and photos taken before conditions change.

Comparative Negligence

Defendants in slip and fall cases commonly argue comparative negligence, claiming the plaintiff contributed to the accident by wearing inappropriate footwear, ignoring visible hazards, or failing to use available handrails. In most states, comparative negligence reduces recovery proportionally rather than eliminating it entirely.

Wearing appropriate winter footwear, using handrails, and paying attention to posted warnings all affect comparative negligence analysis. An attorney can assess how these factors apply to the specific circumstances of a fall.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Winter Slip and Fall

Slips trips and falls winter prevention requires both personal awareness and environmental preparation. These steps reduce risk without diminishing the property owner’s legal obligation to maintain safe surfaces.

• Wear appropriate footwear: boots with wide, flat, textured soles and slip-resistant materials provide significantly more traction than smooth-soled shoes.
• Slow down and shorten your stride: smaller steps on icy surfaces lower the center of gravity and reduce slipping momentum.
• Use handrails on every staircase: even on familiar stairways, handrails are the most effective protection against a backward fall.
• Test surfaces before committing your weight: black ice is invisible. Test the traction of any wet or shiny surface cautiously before walking normally.
• Keep hands free: carrying bags or objects prevents use of handrails and impairs balance.
• Stay on cleared paths: cutting across grass or unpaved areas often means walking on hidden ice.

If you fall, Truveta Research notes outstretched arms are the leading cause of wrist and elbow injuries. Harvard Health recommends relaxing the body, crossing arms over the chest, and falling sideways rather than backward.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Slip and Fall

The steps taken immediately after a winter slip and fall affect both medical recovery and any future legal claim. Knowing a personal injury consultation helps you prepare before speaking with an attorney.

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even when injuries are not immediately obvious, some fractures and TBIs do not present symptoms right away. Medical records also establish the connection between the fall and your injuries.
2. Document the scene. Photograph the surface conditions, location, any posted warnings, and your footwear before ice melts or the area is treated.
3. Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or business on record in writing. Keep a copy of any incident report.
4. Gather witness information. Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the fall or can describe the surface conditions beforehand.
5. Preserve evidence. Keep the footwear and clothing you were wearing. Do not allow the property to be repaired before it is documented.
6. Consult a personal injury attorney. Before speaking with the property owner’s insurance company, get legal advice on how to protect your claim.

If your case takes months to resolve and financial pressure builds during that period, pre-settlement funding provides a non-recourse cash advance against the expected value of your claim. You repay only if you win.

Conclusion

Slip and fall accident statistics leave no doubt: falls are a leading cause of death in the United States, and winter conditions make them measurably worse. Ice and snow consistently multiply fall rates, injury severity, and costs.

Property owners who fail to act on a known winter hazard face liability. Acting quickly to document the scene and consult an attorney is critical because evidence disappears as the ice melts.

At Gain Servicing, injured plaintiffs waiting on a slip and fall settlement can access non-recourse pre-settlement funding to manage expenses while their case moves toward resolution.

FAQs

1. How many people die from slip and fall accidents in the U.S. each year?

In 2024, 48,308 Americans died in falls at home and at work, representing 24% of all preventable injury-related deaths, per the National Safety Council. Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the U.S., behind only poisoning and drug overdose.

2. What percentage of slip and fall accidents happen in winter due to ice and snow?

There is no single federal percentage, but Truveta Research found 13.1 ED visits for snow and ice falls per 10,000 ED visits during winter months, with a 3x higher rate in states with freezing temperatures. Slips trips and falls winter patterns peak in early morning hours on high-precipitation days.

3. Are slip and falls more dangerous for older adults?

Yes. The CDC reports the fall death rate for adults 65 and older reached 78.4 per 100,000 in 2024, a 21% increase since 2018. One in four older adults falls each year. Hip fractures, the most serious consequence, require surgery and are linked to significantly reduced independence and elevated one-year mortality.

4. What are the most common injuries from slipping on ice or snow?

Per Truveta Research (2024), wrist fractures are the most common injury at 641.4 per 10,000 snow/ice falls, followed by ankle dislocations (447.4) and ankle fractures (345.8). Shoulder dislocations, lower back strains, and hip fractures also occur. TBIs are a risk in backward falls where the head strikes a hard surface.

5. Who is legally responsible for a winter slip and fall on someone’s property?

Property owners, businesses, and landlords typically bear legal responsibility under premises liability law when they fail to take reasonable steps to address known winter hazards. Many jurisdictions have ordinances specifying response time requirements after snowfall. An attorney can assess whether negligence applies to the specific circumstances of your fall.

6. What evidence do I need to prove a slip and fall claim?

Useful evidence includes photographs of the hazard taken immediately after the fall, security footage, weather records for the date, maintenance logs showing when the property was last treated, witness statements, and medical records connecting the fall to your injuries. Acting quickly to preserve evidence before conditions change is critical.

7. What should I do immediately after a slip and fall on ice?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries are not obvious. Photograph the scene and surface conditions before ice melts. Report the incident to the property owner in writing. Collect witness contact information. Preserve the footwear and clothing you were wearing, and consult a personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance company.

8. Can I get financial help while my slip and fall lawsuit is pending?

Yes. Pre-settlement funding is a non-recourse cash advance against the expected value of your pending claim. There are no monthly payments, no credit check, and no repayment if the case does not result in a monetary award. Funds are typically disbursed within 24 to 48 hours of approval and attorney coordination.