Georgia Injury Law Blog
There are certain times of the year when the risk of being in a slip and fall accident is higher. It is no surprise that winter, and especially the holiday season, brings with it conditions that increase the likelihood of a fall accident.
The coldest weeks of the year bring with them roads, driveways and sidewalks covered with ice, snow and sleet that make for very slippery and dangerous conditions. It’s no surprise that you have a greater risk of a slip and fall when you have to walk on roads and surfaces that are wet with ice and snow. What’s worse, these slip and fall accidents can leave you with serious injuries that can have long lasting impacts on you and your family. This is especially true with the black ice conditions that Atlanta and the north Georgia area commonly see during the winter months.
The winter holiday season also brings with it its own conditions that increase the risk of a slip and fall accident. This is not only because the holidays occurs during the coldest part of the year, but holiday shopping, entertaining and attending parties all increase the likelihood that you will be out and about in the dangerously slippery conditions, instead of being safe at home. Even more, if the area where you are walking has not been properly maintained for winter conditions, your risk of sustaining a fall and being injured is even greater.
Learn how you can reduce your risks of suffering a slip and fall accident with these tips.
If you have to walk outside in the cold weather, be sure to wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear with good grip control. Avoid wearing stilettos, heels and other party footwear. You may want to consider wearing your sturdy shoes for walking to the event, and then changing into your party shoes when you reach your destination. And be sure to avoid any sidewalks that appear icy.
You should also avoid being in a hurry. Whether it’s finishing up on last-minute holiday shopping or rushing to a friend’s party, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Walking fast on slippery roads only increases your chances of suffering a fall.
Look for deceptively unsafe patches of surface – these may be covered by invisible ice and may not be seen, but could still cause a nasty slip and fall.
While climbing down steps, always hold on to the railings.
Remember, a fall can occur on your own steps. Be careful as soon as you step out your front door.
Older adults need to be even more cautious about walking safely in winter. A fall accident can result in serious injuries and fractures in seniors citizens. These types of injuries usually take a longer time to heal in an elderly person. Try to avoid unnecessary walking as much as possible. See if you can get a family member or neighbor to run errands for you. Wear sturdy footwear with a good grip, and make sure that your front path is clear of snow and ice.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a fall accident as a result of the negligence of another, you may qualify for a claim for damages. The damages could include medical costs, lost income, lost future earnings and other forms of compensation of your losses. Call an Atlanta slip and fall injury lawyer at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers, and discuss your claim with an attorney. Initial consultations with an attorney at our firm are free – we only take our fee when we recover compensation for you.