With autumn here and winter on its way, it’s a good time to brush up on everyday safety tips. Rain, snow, sleet and ice can make it difficult to navigate walkways, parking lots and wet floors.
According to the Mayo Clinic and the Center for Disease Control, one million Americans are injured by slipping or falling each year. The fall and winter months see higher numbers of injuries.
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to serious injuries or even death, particularly in elderly adults. These tips will help you stay safe, indoors and out:
- Wear appropriate shoes: Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes with snow grips and good support. This will help you stay upright and stable, even if you step on a patch of ice or in a puddle. You can always change your shoes when you get inside.
- Take smaller steps: When it’s raining, snowing or there’s ice on the group, try to take smaller steps. This helps you maintain your center of gravity. In dangerous weather, your steps should be almost side-to-side—the way a penguin walks.
- Take your time: If you know you’ll have to walk in bad weather, leave extra time. When you walk fast, you’re more likely to overlook slipping hazards, or lose your balance and fall.
- Stay home when possible: If possible, stay home during and right after storms, especially if you have issues with balance and mobility. The less you have to venture outdoors, the less likely you are to encounter slip-and-fall hazards.
- Use safety features: Guardrails and handrails can help protect you from serious falls. If you slip, they can steady you or help you break your fall. People who use canes, walkers or other mobility devices should use them throughout the winter.
- Don’t catch yourself: If you do fall, avoid trying to break the fall with your arms. Instead, if possible, let your buttocks take the brunt of the fall. The extra cushion may help you avoid more serious injuries.
Unfortunately, slip-and-fall accidents can still occur, even when you take these precautions. If you’re injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. File an accident report if it happened on someone else’s property. Once your medical condition is stable, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. We may be able to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other appropriate damages.
Consult an Ohio slip-and-fall lawyer today
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your slip-and-fall case. If you were the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
