At this time of year, the roads and sidewalks in Baltimore and throughout Maryland may be icy. Make no mistake–slip and fall injuries are extremely dangerous. In fact, they are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the United States by a significant margin. As the top personal injury lawyers in the area, our priority is not just to help those who’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, but to prevent them from becoming injured in the first place. That’s why we’ve laid out a few tips to help you avoid slip and fall injuries during winter.
Slip and fall injuries are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the United States. Here’s how you can avoid slipping on ice this winter.
Consider the Temperature
Ice is very likely to be on the ground when the temperature is at or below 32 degrees. But just because it’s above freezing doesn’t mean the sidewalks can’t be icy. You want to consider not only how cold it is currently, but also how cold it has been recently. For instance, if it dipped below freezing overnight, ice may not have had sufficient time to thaw out. The same goes for if the weather is just coming out of a cold spell.
Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets
In the winter, more people tend to talk with their hands in their pockets. But a safer way to keep your hands warm if there might be ice on the ground is by wearing gloves or mittens. This is because if you begin to slip, you will have a more difficult time regaining balance if your hands are in your pockets. More pertinently, you may not be able to break your fall to reduce the risk of injury.
Slow Down
When you’re in a hurry, your risk of slipping and falling increases dramatically. As much as you can, try to slow down and carefully test your footing with each step you take. Remember that ice isn’t always easy to see, and you might not realize you’re standing on it until you feel your feet sliding.
Choose Your Footwear Carefully
Your most fashionable shoes might not be the best choice of footwear when there’s ice on the ground. Instead, try to select shoes or boots that give you the most possible traction. Generally, footwear with rubber soles will be the best choice. Flip your footwear over and make sure it has sufficient ridges, too.
If you’re on your way to a formal function, you might be able to bring dressier footwear with you and switch them on in the car or at the event.
What to do After a Slip and Fall
Even if you follow all the tips we’ve laid out above, there’s no way to completely guarantee that you won’t end up in a slip and fall accident. Thankfully, even if you do, there may be legal recourses that can help cover the medical costs you face as a result. If your accident occurred on someone else’s property, there’s a chance you could sue the property owner.
Do you suspect you might have grounds for a lawsuit? Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free case evaluation.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Call 410-THE-FIRM. Don’t just sue them. SNYDER THEM.