Winter Weather Brings Risk of Slip and Fall Injuries

 Posted on November 29, 2018 in Premises Liability

As Illinois residents prepare to turn their calendars over to December, the cold and snow have arrived. While snow is no surprise to those who live and work in the region, winter weather conditions bring a number of safety concerns, many of them related to road travel and highway safety. Winter storms can also cause serious problems for those on foot, making getting from the car to the house rather treacherous. There are, however, some things you can do to reduce the danger of a slip and fall accident and the resulting injuries that such a fall can cause.

Dress Appropriately

As you make your way into the office, do you wear your dress shoes or heels? Consider carrying your fancy footwear with you or leaving them at your desk and trade them for winter-appropriate boots. Be sure to find something that fits properly and that has an aggressive tread to grip slippery sidewalks. It is also important to make sure that your pants are not so long that they could be caught under your shoes or boots. A momentary stumble could have devastating consequences on snow or ice.

Alight With Caution and Three Points of Contact

A large number of slip and fall accidents occur while trying to get out of the car, as a single foot on icy pavement can leave you quite vulnerable. When you reach your destination, take your time and exit your car carefully, placing two feet firmly on the ground and a hand on the vehicle before attempting to stand. If you can only put one foot out, for whatever reason, be sure to keep both hands on your vehicle to help maintain your balance.

Choose the Right Path

While it may seem obvious, one of the simplest things you can do to prevent a slip and fall is to watch where you are going. If your walkway appears to be untreated or is snow-covered, look for a safer route. In places where snow appears to be melting, be even more vigilant for black ice. Also, pay close attention to wet floors and walkways once inside a building, as tracked snow and slush can also cause slip hazards.

Walk Like a Penguin

Humorous though the mental image may be, consider how a penguin moves across the Antarctic ice. Short steps with a wide base allow the flightless birds to easily traverse some of the most slippery conditions on the planet. As you walk through winter weather, use the same approach so that you can drastically reduce your chances of a slip and fall injury.

Meet With a Winnebago County Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you have been hurt in a winter-weather slip and fall accident on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Rockford personal injury attorney to learn more about your available options under the law. Call 815-215-7561 to schedule your free consultation at Mannarino & Brasfield, A Division of Schwartz Jambois.

Sources:

https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/hazardous-winter-wonderland/1618480325

https://patch.com/illinois/romeoville/snowstorm-safety-tips-shoveling-what-pack-your-car