The Central New York winter is rearing its ugly head as we recover from the first snowstorm of the season. As the snow starts to fall, sidewalks begin to freeze, floors get slick and more slip and fall accidents occur.

Slip and fall accidents account for 15 percent of all accidents and slips, trips, and falls on the same level are the second leading cause of injury among Americans. According to the National Safety Council, there are 25,000 slip, trip, and fall accidents every day in the United States. One out of five slip and falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries, disabilities, or even death. The most common slip and fall injuries are:

Head injuries

As stated above, the most common cause of traumatic brain injury or TBI. Many victims suffer from memory loss, cognition, and behavioral problems, and often need rehabilitation.

Neck, back, and spine injuries

Falling or catching yourself can result in significant injury that may require surgery.

Broken hips or pelvis

Many slip and fall victims are elderly meaning they are more likely to be more seriously injured from the fall. This type of injury may result in hip replacement surgery or a nursing home stay.

Torn tendons and ligaments

Slip and fall accidents often result in tendon or ligament tears in the victim’s wrists, knees, and feet. This type of injury takes months to heal, possibly requiring surgery. Some do not regain full function.

Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents

So now that you know how common slip and fall accidents are, how do you prevent them? Take a look at these five tips.

1. Pay attention!

Possibly the simplest tip of all, always be alert to uneven surfaces, slippery floors and sidewalks, and to your overall surroundings.

2. Walk slowly

Move slowly on wet surfaces so you are able to react to traction changes. Walk with your feet turned out and in shorter strides for better balance.

3. Do not carry objects that will obstruct your view

When carrying Christmas presents to your car after a long day of shopping, make sure you can watch where you step.

4. Report poorly lit walkways or other dangerous tripping hazards

Look out for others in your community. If you are approaching a dimly lit stairway in a store, for instance, report it to an employee.

5. Always use a ladder

Even if a chair, box, or other objects may be more convenient to reach high places when decorating your home, save the creativity for your gingerbread house. Use a ladder to reach tall places.

In the event of a slip and fall accident, first and foremost, ensure the health of yourself or the victim. Seek medical attention immediately after the slip and fall. Once your injuries are documented, you can provide proof if you wish to seek compensation for medical expenses. Later, report the incident to who it may concern. For example, if you fell in a store, report the slip and fall accident to the store manager and obtain a copy of the report. Be sure to take photos of the location where you fell; preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing at the time of the slip and fall accident as they may become evidence later; and document the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident occur or observed the conditions present on the property. If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney. Premise liability is a difficult subject to understand and a personal injury lawyer will be able to shed some light on the situation to help you fully understand your rights and potential ability to seek compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a slip and fall accident, you need the best personal injury law firm in Central New York. The People’s Lawyer will fight for what is best for you. Contact Brindisi, Murad, Brindisi & Pearlman for a free consultation today.

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Tags: Premises Liability