Slip and Fall Injuries During the Winter Months

a woman doing slips on the winter roadA winter wonderland of snow is beautiful to admire the morning after a snowstorm. However, what is not so great is the accumulation of ice and sludge that results when the snow melts and refreezes. This not only creates a mess to clean up, but also a health hazard. Emergency rooms are packed full of people who have been the victim of a slip and fall injury. If you have ever experienced a slip and fall accident, you know the injuries can be slight or major. This article is intended to help you avoid becoming the victim of a slip and fall accident this winter.

What Type of Injury Can Result in a Slip and Fall Accident?

An injury resulting from a slip and fall accident can be minor bruising to a fracture or even a concussion. The most common injuries that result in a winter slip and fall accident include the following:

  • Hip injuries
  • Wrist sprain or fracture
  • Ankle sprain or fracture
  • Concussions

How To Avoid a Slip and Fall Injury During the Winter Months

The winter months can be a dangerous time of year, particularly for older people. Harsh weather conditions, which bring about rain, snow, and ice, create surfaces to become slippery. Increasing the chances of losing one’s footing and falling. For this reason, it is advisable to be alert to conditions that might cause you to slip and fall.

Below are ways State College personal injury attorneys advise to avert a slip and fall injury during the winter:

  • Always be alert to the surroundings. Keep an eye out for ice on sidewalks, paths, and steps. In addition, take care when exiting vehicles onto an icy walkway.
  • When walking following a storm, take it easy. Walk slowly and step carefully to ensure you have good footing with each step.
  • Make sure you are wearing shoes that have ankle support and good traction. Boots are best for walking in the snow–just not spike-heeled boots!
  • When you enter your home or other building, make sure there are no pools of water lying around. Always mop the entryway of your home or office to avoid the accumulation of excess moisture.
  • Keep driveways, sidewalks clear of snow and put rock salt on the ice.

What If You Have a Slip & Fall Accident?

Where you are when you experience a slip and fall accident depends a lot on your next steps. If it happens at work, make supervision aware of the incident. Whether or not you were seriously hurt, you need to report the accident and go see the employee wellness center. This ensures the accident is documented legally in the case you have to file a personal injury claim in the immediate future.

If the accident happens at a business or someone else’s property, notify the manager, an employee, or the property owner. Take pictures, if possible, of the accident scene and include what created the fall. Also, if anyone witnessed your fall, ask them to write down their testimony of what they saw. Ensure to get the names and contact information of all witnesses. In addition, seek medical help for your injuries. You might not think you need medical attention. However, the doctor’s reports and statements will help your claim. All this information will help the State College Personal Injury Lawyer to plead your personal injury claim.

How An Attorney Can Help

Engle, Kauffman and VanHorn are State College personal injury lawyers who can help with your personal injury claim. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, you need the personal injury law firm State College Pennsylvania resident’s trust. For claims of personal injury State College Pennsylvania residents call Engle Kaufman and VanHorn. Call today for a consultation at (814) 234-8834. We will take care of the legal work so you can get compensation and heal!