Slip and fall injuries are some of the most common reasons for personal injury claims. A slip and fall can happen nearly anywhere, to anybody, at any time – though certain individuals, such as the elderly, do have an increased risk of falling and environmental factors can increase an individual’s chance of falling and being injured.
Each season has its unique slip and fall risks. Take the time to learn about these risks so you can be better attuned to them on your property and elsewhere.
Wet Leaves and Low Visibility can Make Fall Live Up to its Name
During the fall, piles of fallen leaves can be deep. These deep piles can conceal slip and fall hazards like potholes and broken steps. They can also become heavy and wet after rain storms and over time, the wet leaves can disintegrate and become a slippery mass that covers walkways and outdoor staircases. This, coupled with the longer evening hours and frost in the morning, can make autumn one of the most dangerous times of year for slips and falls.
In the Winter, be Wary of Ice and Snow
Low visibility continues to be a slip and fall hazard through the winter. By the winter, leaf piles are often replaced by snow piles, which can be just as dangerous for individuals walking on sidewalks, driveways, and outdoor steps into and out of buildings.
Another slip and fall hazard that can occur when the temperature dips below freezing is black ice. This is the transparent, thin ice that coats walkways and stairways that can cause an individual to fall and be injured. Potholes often develop on the roads during the winter because rain falls into small holes in the pavement and freezes, expanding the hole. Over time, this cycle of freezing and thawing creates a large hole that poses a hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike.
Spring: The Safest Season for Slip and Falls
In the spring, you can still slip, fall, and be injured on uneven pavement or a broken stairway. The difference between spring and other seasons is that generally, there are no additional, season-specific slip and fall hazards to consider. Rain can be heavy in the spring, which can make outdoor surfaces slick.
Summertime Hazards at the Pool and the Lake
If you spend your summer at the pool or the lake, you can face many slip and fall hazards. These include:
- Slick fiberglass surfaces on boats;
- Slippery, uneven, and broken docks;
- Broken handrails and ladders going into pools; and
- Slippery tiles around pools.
Work with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
After a slip or fall, seek medical attention for your injury in a timely manner to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Then, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case to determine your legal options. Contact our team at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. today to set up your initial consultation with us.