Pedestrians have a better chance of avoiding slips and falls during winter weather when they walk cautiously, wear appropriate footwear, and use railings and other secure objects for support. These actions might not always avoid a fall. However, they are some of the most effective ways that pedestrians can avoid slip and fall accidents on ice and snow.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that falls are one of the top ten causes of preventable injuries and deaths among Americans. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists ice and snow as common causes of slips and falls, particularly in retail establishments. Avoiding these slips and falls can go a long way to prevent injuries, some of which may be fatal, especially for older individuals.
Exercise Caution When Walking On Surfaces With Ice and Snow
Whether you are walking through a parking lot, on a sidewalk, or crossing a street, you should always take extra precautions during winter conditions that involve ice and snow. You never should attempt to run or even walk quickly on surfaces that contain ice or snow. Instead, you should choose your path carefully and walk as slowly as needed to maintain your balance.
Testing a surface with your foot to see how slick it is may also be advisable before you step onto it with your full body weight, as black ice can be almost invisible on some surfaces.
Even after you enter a store, restaurant, or another business establishment, you should continue to be cautious about where you step. Hard floors and even thin carpets may become slick when saturated with melting snow and ice. Water may form puddles on the floor, creating a slipping hazard.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear That Will Give You the Most Stability In Ice And Snow
Wearing shoes with high heels or leather soles may make you more likely to slip on ice and snow-covered surfaces. Sticking to sturdy shoes or boots with rubber or neoprene composite soles can improve your stability as you walk through ice and snow in the winter months, as well as keep your feet warm and dry.
If necessary, you can bring other shoes with you and change into them once you are inside and away from these dangerous surfaces.
Non-slip footwear also may be more effective if you choose to walk only on cleared surfaces, at least when you can do so. Rather than taking a shortcut and trudging through an uncleared path, focus on a route where you or others have already shoveled and applied salt or sand. Taking this path also may lessen your chance of slipping and falling.
Use Handrails, Walls, and Other Fixed Objects For Support
Another way that pedestrians can avoid slip and fall accidents on ice and snow is to use handrails, walls, and other stationary objects for support as they walk.
Keeping your hands free of objects and out of your pockets as you walk on snow or ice can increase your ability to grab a nearby object for support if you should slip.
If You Were Hurt In a Slip and Fall, You Might Have a Personal Injury Case
If you were injured in a slip and fall during winter weather conditions, you might be eligible to file a slip and fall case against property owners who have failed to adequately clear their parking lots, sidewalks, and floors from snow and ice.
The potentially recoverable damages in this type of case may include:
- Your current and future medical expenses
- Your lost wages
- Your pain and suffering
Contact Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. to Get More Information About Your Legal Options
If icy and snowy conditions on property maintained by others caused you to slip, fall, and suffer injuries, you might have a personal injury case against the property owner or another party. Contact Rosenberg & Gluck, L.L.P. to get more information about your legal rights following a slip and fall that leads to injuries.
We serve personal injury victims on Long Island. A lawyer from our firm may be able to fight for compensation on your behalf while you recover from your injuries.
You can learn more about your legal options during a free case review with a member of our team when you call (631) 994-1910.
