A slip and fall often causes nothing more than a bruised ego. But in some circumstances it could lead to serious, even disabling, injuries. When this happens, it might be possible to hold a property owner liable. One of the factors that could come into play, however, is any contribution of the injured person to cause or fail to prevent the accident. That’s why these fall prevention tips can be so important.
Ways to Prevent Fall Accidents
Wear proper footwear. One way to prevent a slip and fall is by wearing shoes that have traction. If you know you are going to be walking on a surface that might be too slippery, be sure to wear footwear that offers greater traction.
Yet property owners still may be responsible (at least in part) for slippery conditions, especially if there was no expectation of encountering a slippery surface. At the same time, if it’s found that the victim’s shoes weren’t properly laced, this could possibly become an issue and might be blamed for the person’s fall.
However, other elements could be considered as a potential cause of someone slipping and/or falling. For instance, if there are warning signs these should be obeyed. Areas that are closed off or barricaded should be avoided, too.
Watch where you’re going! Even something as simple as watching where a person is walking is a great fall prevention tip. In fact, inattention while walking is becoming a problem with so many opportunities for distractions — namely, cell phones and iPods. Texting while walking may be especially dangerous because it requires looking down at the phone instead of looking where one is walking. This can cause someone to be seriously injured and would most likely be considered carelessness.
Use appropriate caution when walking. Use caution while walking to prevent falls. For instance, if a sidewalk is slippery after a rainstorm, walk slower or avoid the surface altogether. Also avoid running when it’s not necessary, especially up and down stairs or around pools and other slippery areas.
Use handrails, take steps one at a time and always look around your surroundings for any potential hazards (such as broken steps or torn carpeting). Pay attention to debris or objects that might be in the way.
Monitor medication use. Some medications can increase the risk of a person falling, especially for older adults. But any type of medicine that causes drowsiness potentially could be a factor in a fall. Knowing these side effects ahead of time can help an individual be more cautious when walking.
Seeking Legal Counsel When Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
Despite taking these or other fall prevention precautions, there are times when falls can’t be prevented, especially when a property owner’s negligence is the cause. If this is the case, contact an attorney at 24/7 Injury Law. We work with clients to determine claim value, establish negligence and build a solid case for insurance negotiations or a courtroom.