How You Can Prevent Slip and Fall Injuries This Winter
Slip, trip and fall accidents send over one million people to emergency rooms in the United States each year. Winter weather in Alabama increases the odds of slip and fall accidents, with snow, ice and moisture that can compromise walking surfaces. Reduce your risk of getting injured in a slip and fall accident this winter with these tips.
Clear a Path
Preparation is key to avoiding a slip and fall accident. If your home or residence gets snow, clear a path for yourself using a snow shovel or salt. Keeping your driveway clear and clean can help you stay on your feet as you walk from your front door to your vehicle. Pay special attention to staircases; make sure they are cleared of ice and snow before attempting to walk down them. If you aren’t sure about the stability of the ground in front of you, test it before walking forward.
Wear the Right Shoes
The shoes that you wear could make a major difference in whether or not you stay on your feet this winter. Use the right shoes for walking around in precipitation, such as snow boots with good traction. Wearing high heels or leather-soled shoes can increase your risk of a slip and fall accident in winter weather. Rubber soles, on the other hand, improve traction. Replace your shoes as soon as the soles get worn down or slippery.
Proceed With Caution
Do not rush out into your driveway or a parking lot, especially if snow has fallen. Running on a slippery surface greatly increases your odds of falling down. Take your time and walk carefully across wet or icy surfaces. Choose your steps carefully and proceed with caution. Give yourself extra time to get where you are going to avoid rushing on a slippery surface.
Keep Your Hands Free
You can use your hands to catch yourself on a stable surface before you fall, such as a staircase railing or door handle. Keep your hands free for this purpose. Carrying heavy or cumbersome loads also increases your risk of falling down, as it can put you off balance and make it harder to walk on an icy or snow-covered surface.
Work on Your Balance
You can reduce your risk of falling down this winter by improving your balance and strength. As people get older, these two things can decrease – making a fall accident more likely. Do your best to maintain your physical strength, coordination and balance with exercises, proper nutrition and vitamin D. This can help you keep your balance even on slippery surfaces, as well as recover faster if you do suffer an injury in a slip and fall accident. Have your eyes checked to ensure good vision, as well.
Watch for Slippery Floors Indoors
Wintertime slip and fall accidents do not only occur outdoors. They can also happen inside when snow or water is tracked indoors. Make your home safer by using rugs and wiping your feet off when going from outside to inside. Get rid of clutter or things that you could trip on. Make sure there is adequate lighting so that you can see where you’re walking. Take your time and use caution when entering any building. Check the floor surfaces to see if there are any puddles or hazards.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Here’s What to Do
If you get hurt in a slip and fall accident this winter despite your best efforts, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Filing a claim against a negligent property owner in Alabama with help from a Birmingham premises liability lawyer could result in payment for your medical bills and other losses. You may have grounds for a claim after a slip and fall at a grocery store, outlet mall, parking lot, bar, restaurant or a friend’s house. Consult with a specialized Birmingham slip and fall accident attorney near you for more information about a potential slip and fall lawsuit after this type of disaster.