Winter Slip And Fall Safety Tips
Winter weather is beautiful this time of year in Pennsylvania. Falling snow sets the scene for a magical holiday season. However, ice and snow can make getting around treacherous for drivers and pedestrians. As an experienced Erie personal injury attorney, I see many accident cases each year caused by winter weather. When you are out enjoying the holiday season, remember these safety tips to avoid slips and falls in winter weather.
Safety Tips to Avoid Winter Slip and Falls
Getting around during the winter can be difficult, but if you use these safety tips, you can reduce your risk of injury.
- Never rush when walking on snow or ice. Take small, slow steps rather than long strides to help keep your balance.
- Always wear appropriate shoes. Boots with non-skid soles or other skid-resident footwear can help you keep your footing on slippery surfaces.
- Avoid carrying large packages. It is difficult to keep your balance and almost impossible to regain your balance when you are carrying heavy or large packages.
- Use handrails whenever climbing steps during the winter.
- Be careful entering and exiting your vehicle. Hold onto the car door to help steady yourself as you sit down and stand up.
- Beware of slippery floors when entering buildings. Snow and ice melting from shoes can create hazardous conditions.
- Always remain alert. You may not see the ice until it is too late.
You can get more information on staying safe and healthy during the winter from the Centers for Disease Control.
What Should I Do If I Slip on Snow or Ice?
If you fall, seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think you only suffered a few bumps and bruises, a fall can result in more serious health conditions. It is always best to be checked by a physician whenever you experience a fall.
Report the fall to the property owner. Property owners cannot control the weather; however, property owners are required to take reasonable measures to maintain a safe environment for visitors and guests. If you fall on someone else’s property, you may have a claim for damages. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, emotional stress, physical pain, and other damages.
To protect your right to file a slip and fall claim against the property owner, you must report the fall. You should also try to take pictures of the accident scene because conditions could change dramatically when you return to inspect the area. Definitely go to the doctor as soon as possible to document your physical injuries to protect your claim.
Call an Erie Slip and Fall Attorney
As soon as possible, contact our office to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation with our Erie slip and fall attorney. You can reach The Travis Law Firm by telephone at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. Remember, you have a limited time to file a slip and fall claim under Pennsylvania law, so don’t wait too long to call our office for a free appointment. We are here to help you recover a fair and full settlement for your injury claim.