Slip, Trip And Fall Hazards Increase In Winter Months

Slip. trip and fall accidents are some of the most common types of personal injury accidents and occur more frequently during the winter months than during other times of the year.  With a bit of knowledge and attention, you can reduce your risk of a serious slip-and-fall accident and the subsequent pain, suffering, and financial stress that may ensue.

Winter–A Bad Time for Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

In the United States, slip, trip, and fall accidents account for 8 million emergency room visits each year, making this the number-one cause of accident-related ER treatments.  Five percent of all slip-and-fall accidents result in serious fractures, and half of all accidental deaths in the home are due to falls.  Clearly, slip-and-falls are more than “minor” incidents; they can lead to serious injury and even death.

Winter often sees a dramatic increase in the number of slip, trip and fall accidents when compared to summer months.  There are several reasons for this, most of which have to do with the fact that during winter, ice, snow, and other hazardous conditions are common.  However, slip-and-fall accidents can occur due to a number of problems, including:

  • Weather conditions. Ice, sleet, and snow are common hazards during winter, and all can contribute to slip-and-fall accidents.  Ice on walkways or steps, sleet coating a set of stairs or snow building up in high-traffic areas can all contribute to an unfortunate slip, trip, or fall accident.
  • Inattention to cleaning. When stores fail to mop up tracked-in water from melting snow or ice, an instant hazard is created that can lead to an unfortunate slip, trip, or fall accident.  Furthermore, during winter months some stores have far more stock that must be put up and may leave some of this stock blocking walkways and traffic areas.  Stores may be liable for failure to clean their walkways, keep them clear of debris, or otherwise contribute to tripping or slipping hazards if this neglect leads to an accident.
  • Unsafe surroundings. Visitors to a property, such as a home or a store, are not the only victims of slip, trip, and fall accidents.  Slip-and-fall injuries occur quite regularly in workplaces, as well.  When employers fail to keep walkways clear, to demand immediate mopping up of water from ice and snow, or, worse still, create hazards by failure to observe safety procedures with ladders and stairs, accidents can happen, resulting in serious injuries for employees.

No matter how careful you are, accidents can and do happen.  If you have been the victim of a slip, trip, or fall accident, particularly one that resulted from someone else’s negligence, it is important to protect your rights.  By contacting Barber & Associates, you can speak with a professional and learn the steps to take to recover money for your medical bills, living expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  We have been helping Alaska families for years who are seeking justice for their injuries.  Give us a call today to see how we can help you.

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