No ice doesn’t mean no accidents. We tend to associate slip and falls, which often happen as a result of walking on icy pavements, with winter. Not only are there risks all year long, but summer brings its own host of concerns. We have to take extra precautions during the warmer months.
And you’ll definitely want to take those precautions. Slip and falls sound more innocuous than they are. The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that 32,000 Americans died as a result of slip and falls — which cause traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other serious injuries, including spinal cord damage — in 2014. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites these accidents as the leading cause of TBI, comprising nearly 50% of all TBI-related visits to the emergency room and deaths.
The Most Common Summertime Slip and Falls
Poolside Slips, Trips, and Falls
There’s nothing like swimming on a hot day, but it doesn’t take much for a day at the pool to turn dangerous. Many surfaces around pools and summer recreational facilities are wet, and there are often toys lying on surfaces, which we can easily trip over.
I want to note that with a pool-related slip and fall, a property owner could be liable for your injuries. These cases are complicated, so it’s best to consult a trusted Memphis slip and fall lawyer. And don’t delay in calling us. You don’t want to wait until your case is set in stone by prior statements.
Safety Tip: Use extra safe behavior on the pool deck. Walk instead of running.
Post-Car Wash Slip and Falls
Slick surfaces are the cause of most summertime slip and falls. Watering the lawn or washing the car leaves sidewalks and other surfaces wet and soapy. This is as hazardous as a wet pool deck. A sudden fall can lead to those serious head injuries I mentioned, not to mention broken bones and fractures.
Safety Tip: If you’re walking by or on a slick surface, take it slow and move with caution. And if you’re the one washing your car, clean up the area without delay.
Other Common Hazards
Warm weather brings out less supportive footwear, such as high heels or flip-flops. These might be great from a fashion statement, but they offer less stability and leave you more vulnerable to slipping or tripping.
While it’s nice to spend time outdoors, we have to be mindful of uneven trails, cracks in pavement, and exposed tree roots. In general, there are more objects out and about — toys and gardening tools — which are tripping hazards. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and move with caution.
Get Help From a Memphis Slip and Fall Lawyer
Slip and falls often result from someone else’s negligence. If a person failed to adequately maintain their premises, you could be eligible to recover compensation. However, it can be difficult to determine liability, and these cases can get contentious — the last thing you need while you’re recovering from an injury. Our lawyers are experts at navigating the complexities, and we will fight for you, so you can focus on healing.