Summer is the time to venture outdoors and enjoy your favorite warm-weather activities and events. However, an unfortunate slip and fall accident can turn an enjoyable summer afternoon into a painful ordeal. Over the next few months, it is wise to be mindful of common causes of slip and fall accidents.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, slip and falls account for more than 8 million visits to the emergency room nationwide every year. Slip and fall injuries include broken bones, strains, sprains and tears, and neck, head, and back injuries. These accidents happen for many reasons in the summer.
Flip-Flops and Sandals
You might be surprised to learn that summer footwear is a common cause of falls amongst individuals of all ages. A loose shoe is enough to cause someone to lose their balance and slip and fall. While it feels good to swap winter boots for flip-flops and sandals, these lightweight shoes may not provide enough support, stability, or traction for walking on certain surfaces.
Boats and Docks
Boating is a beloved recreational activity for many during the warmer months. If you spend time around boats this summer, take care walking along docks and getting in and out of boats. These areas are notoriously slippery. Besides the risk of bodily injuries, falls near water can also lead to drowning.
Swimming Pools
Most public pools have signs reminding visitors to walk not run. These warnings are posted for a good reason. As water spills or splashes onto nearby asphalt, decking, tile, and grass, these surfaces become dangerously slippery. Prevent slip and falls accidents near pools by walking slowly, cleaning up spills, and wearing shoes with a non-slip sole when you are not swimming.
Water Parks
While water parks provide countless hours of enjoyment for guests of all ages, they also come with some risks. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports approximately 15,000 slip and fall accidents at water parks nationwide every year.
Property owners must follow ADA regulations regarding slippery surfaces, including installing non-slip surfaces in walking areas.
You can help avoid falls by proceeding with caution near water, wearing non-slip water shoes, and holding onto handrails when climbing stairs or getting in and out of pools.
What Should You Do if You Are Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
If you are hurt in a slip and fall this summer, get proper medical attention as quickly as possible. Obvious and severe injuries require immediate care. Other injuries may not be immediately apparent or develop or worsen over time. Do not assume you are uninjured just because you do not see cuts or bruises.
Always go to a doctor after any slip and fall to rule out internal bleeding, brain injuries, broken bones, and other injuries. Contact a slip and fall lawyer for legal guidance if you have questions about liability for your injuries.
Mount Holly Slip and Fall Lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman Helps Clients Who Have Been Injured in Summertime Slip and Falls A serious summertime slip and fall accident can be devastating, but legal help is available. Our Mount Holly slip and fall lawyer at the Law Office of David S. Rochman will work hard to achieve a good outcome. Call us at 856-751-2345 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Burlington County and the surrounding areas.