If you have been INJURED in a SLIP & FALL Accident and would like to know if you can COLLECT MONEY DAMAGES
At all times of the year, slip and fall injuries are becoming more common. We are becoming more and more rushed, trying to accomplish all our daily tasks. Wet weather and high winds, so common during this time of year contribute to slip and fall injuries. Slick wet surfaces, running to avoid a shower and blown debris pose increased risks to our well being. Slip and fall injuries can have serious consequences. For the elderly, they can mean broken bones or broken hips. A serious fall can result in head injuries and other serious personal injuries. If a guest or visitor to your home trips and falls on your property, you could also face premises liability issues. There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent slip and fall accidents for yourself, your loved ones and visitors:
1) Keep things tidy. No matter the weather, it’s important to continue tidying up. If there is a rainfall or if a puddle forms on your property, be sure to clean up the spill. Be sure that any tress debris or broken branches are cleaned away as soon as possible.
2) Consider the special needs of guests. If you’ll be having elderly loved ones visiting, take the time to ensure that your home is safe for them. Remove any area rugs or items that can easily be tripped over. Consider installing bars in the bathroom to help prevent slip and fall accidents in the shower.
3) Ensure that your home is well lighted. Consider adding a few extra lamps around your home to provide extra lighting, and make sure that your outdoor lights are functioning well. Turn them on before guests arrive.
4) Take care of your health. Medications, flu, stress, and alcohol consumption can all contribute to falls. If you feel unwell, stay in bed and take things easy until you feel well enough to get around safely. If you’re taking medications, read labels carefully and speak with your pharmacist to ensure that you will not have problems with dizziness. Get plenty of sleep and take care of yourself physically to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
There are many reasons why emergency rooms across Florida see brain injury patients, broken bones, and other problems associated with slip and fall injuries:
1) More traffic and activity. More people are out and about in the summer, and more tourists flock to the state in the summer months. This can mean more pedestrian traffic and even crowds. In crowds, slip and fall accidents are more common, as it is easy to trip over someone’s foot or handbag. Worse, slip and fall accidents in crowds can be more dangerous, as others can step on someone who has fallen, adding to the injury.
2) The effects of heat and the sun. Summer weather can lead to glare, which can cause visibility problems. Heat and sun can also lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion, which can cause dizziness and even fainting. It is important to stay hydrated and covered up in the winter. Younger children and the elderly may need help getting extra water, as well as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to help protect against Florida weather.
3) More time outdoors. While extra exercise outdoors is a positive step, the outdoors pose a number of challenges, including uneven sidewalks and other hazards for the elderly.
4) More plant life. Untrimmed bushes and long grasses can hide obstacles and can lead to trip and fall accidents – as well as Florida premises liability claims. It is important to keep walkways and sidewalks clear of vegetation so that everyone can
walk safely.
5) Water. Florida summers often mean pools, sprinklers, water fountains, watering the garden, and other water activities. However, it is important to keep in mind that water also means a bigger risk of slip and fall injuries. Around the pool, install no-
slip treads. If you need to water your garden or will be using sprinklers or water fountains, make sure that the water does not seep or pool onto walkways, driveways, and sidewalks, where it can create slippery surfaces. As well, take a look at gutters at
this time of year – when they are not cleaned regularly, they can cause pools of water to form near your home after summer showers, which can be dangerous for visitors and your family. As well, keep an eye on water indoors. Dragging in water from the pool can create slippery conditions indoors, too. Keep a rug by the door to catch wet towels and shoes. Clean up any spills or water on the floor promptly.
6) Summer shoes. Summer shoes may be designed to keep feet cool, but some types of summer shoes do not provide great support for walking or driving. Keep slide- on shoes and flip-flops for the beach. For everyday walking, choose sandals or shoes
with good treads and good support. Shoes should close around the heel and not be in any danger of slipping off.
Keep in mind that property owners, whether it be residential or commercial, are responsible for the safety of those who pass through their premises. This means the owner needs to clean up spills, provide well-lit walkways, prevent elevator accidents,
and put up signs warning of any potential hazard.
According to Florida premises liability laws, property owners can be held liable for any injury caused by unsafe conditions on their premises. A Florida slip and fall accident attorney can build a lawsuit against the property owner and get compensation for injuries resulting from unsafe premises.
