According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, slip and fall incidents are trending on the rise, an approximate 2% increase, most of which take place at retail stores, parking lots, and restaurants.
See the infographic below for the top 5 states for slip and fall questionable claims are as follows:
According to NICB, “California, New York, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania were the top five states for Slip and Fall potential insurance fraud scams. Of these five states, both New York and Florida showed an increase in fraudulent slip and fall claims of 30 percent from 2017 to 2019. Illinois saw a decrease in such cases of 19 percent. Los Angeles County, CA had the most questionable claims of all counties, while New York, NY was the city with the most questionable claims.”
Here are the top 5 cities for slip and fall questionable claims:
The question is, how will the data trend in 2020 due to business closures during a global pandemic? We anticipate a downtrend.
Additionally, it is important to note that businesses aren’t the only victims to slip and fall scams; homeowners are, too. However, both businesses and homeowners can be proactive in preventing fraud, according to the NICB:
“Consider installing video systems that can record scam artists in the act. Such recordings can be used to assist by providing evidence for the case.”
“Additionally, for business owners and homeowners, keep common areas clear of any hazards that could result in a fall. In retail stores, aggressive employee interaction with customers will make it more difficult for scammers to set up an accident. Homeowners should be aware of common household items which could be used by a trickster such as a hose on the sidewalk, items precariously stacked in the yard, or even a child’s toy.”
Being proactive is always better than reactive!