Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyers: Coefficient of Friction

Slip and fall accidents are a leading cause of injury and fatality in the United States, second only to injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. Cherry Hill slip and fall accident lawyers report that when a person pursues compensation for their injuries, the slipperiness of the surface can be quantified by a ration called the coefficient of friction (COF). This is the force generated by a pedestrian walking, divided by their weight. So if a pedestrian weighs 200 pounds, and they generate 100 pounds of force, they will have a COF of .5. The type of shoes a pedestrian is wearing and the condition of the surface are also taken into account in a slip and fall accident case.

If a surface is glossed with a substance such as water, mud, or oil, the COF will be much lower—meaning the surface is much more slippery. The type of fluid coating the surface is not the only factor that can affect the slipperiness of a surface; the way the substance is scattered on the surface affects the COF as well. For example, pools of fluid are liable to cause dangerous hydroplaning, while small droplets tend to be somewhat less dangerous.

So the smaller the COF, the more slippery a surface is. Wet, soapy glass is considered to be the most slippery surface, with a COF of about zero. Clean, dry concrete is the least slippery, with a COF of about .8.

So how is the COF actually measured? The Binary Output Tribometer, or BOT-3000, is a portable device that measures the COF. The BOT-3000 is recommended by at least one insurance carrier, and other expert groups.

Cherry Hill Slip and Fall Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Pursue Compensation for Victims of Slip and Fall Accidents

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in New Jersey, you need to focus on your recovery, and let us take care of the rest. Our Cherry Hill slip and fall lawyers at DiTomaso Law have extensive experience explaining the coefficient of friction to courts and its relationship to your accident. We stay on the cutting edge of technology so that we can use all evidence to our clients’ advantage. Our seasoned team of lawyers are proficient in the nuances of local premises liability laws.

With offices conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Pennsylvania and South Jersey, including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County. Call us today to schedule your free confidential consultation at 856-414-0010 or at 215-426-4493, or submit an online contact form.