It’s that time of year again, where the nights are long, the trees are bare, and the cold winter chill is upon us. Memphis can’t complain too much about winter weather. But as a personal injury TN attorney, I know the South still faces its own set of winter hazards.
During the winter months in Tennessee, slip and falls become a major cause of injury at home and at work. According to the National Safety Council, more than 8 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2019. In fact, slips, trips, and falls make up 20% of all workers’ compensation costs. Factor in wet and icy winter conditions, and these types of accidents become even more likely.
Below are some tips to help keep you and your family safe this winter.
Winter safety tips to avoid slip and falls
Prevention is the key to avoiding being injured in a slip and fall accident. If you have to walk on ice or snow as part of your day-to-day, please consider the following safety tips.
1. Wear proper footwear
While we may not need the trekking boots that more snowy states require, it is important to wear slip-resistant footwear such as boots. Try avoiding high heels, as well as leather or plastic soles, as those will easily slip when wet. You can always bring your high heels or leather soled shoes with you and change into them once you’re indoors.
2. Keep your hands free
Never walk around outside with your hands in your pockets. Keep your hands free. That way, if you should suddenly slip on a wet or frozen surface, you will be able to brace yourself or break your fall. Carry gloves with you if you need to keep your hands warm.
3. Walk slowly, step carefully
Never run across wet, icy, or snow-covered surfaces. Walk slowly, choose your steps carefully and be mindful of your surroundings. Also, be careful when exiting or entering a vehicle. Try to step down, rather than out.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Elderly people are at a higher risk of sustaining serious or fatal injuries in a slip and fall accident. If you are older, do not be afraid to ask for help. If you have an elderly friend or relative, offer them a hand or arm to hold when walking on hazardous surfaces.
Speak to an experienced personal injury TN attorney today for FREE
Many wintertime slip and falls happen due to someone else’s negligence. If a property owner or employer has even a remote idea that hazardous conditions might occur, he or she is liable to take precautions. If they didn’t take the necessary precautions and you were injured as a result, you may be eligible for compensation.
Contact us online or give us a call at 901-327-2100 today for a FREE consultation. No strings attached. We will discuss your specific situation, answer any questions you may have, and come up with a plan to get you the compensation you deserve.
We are here when you need us, in wintertime or any season. Give us a call to hear how we can help.