The winter season in New York is associated with snow, rain, high winds, and other forms of inclement weather. Although such weather conditions can create several driving hazards, they can also be dangerous for pedestrians as well.
Slip and fall accidents on frozen or slippery surfaces—such as roads, sidewalks, and parking areas—have been one of the most common causes of injuries during this time of year. Common types of winter slip and fall injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, as well as broken and fractured bones.
Prevention is important to avoid slip and fall injuries. Understanding the risks and taking certain measures to protect yourself and your loved ones are effective ways you can avoid the risk of suffering a slip and fall injury during the winter.
The following are five tips to avoid a slip and fall accident on a frozen or slippery surface:
- Keep your hands free – If you tend to put your hands in your pockets while walking when it’s cold or freezing outside, you should wear gloves instead to keep your hands warm. When your hands are free, you can brace yourself or break your fall in the event you suddenly sip on a frozen or wet surface. You should also avoid carrying items in your hand.
- Wear proper footwear – Shoes with leather soles and heels make navigating through icy surfaces extremely difficult, increasing the chances of a slip and fall accident. The best types of footwear for icy and slippery sidewalks or roads are boots with rubber soles.
- Check if the surface is frozen – If a spot appears to be icy, test it first by gently tapping the surface with one foot. Putting the full weight of your body on a frozen surface can lead to a slip and fall accident.
- Use handrails – If available, hold onto handrails to brace yourself, just in case you lose your footing. You can also use door handles, walls, or any secure objects to avoid having your feet slide out from under you.
- Stomp and shake off your shoes before entering a building – Chunks of snow or ice may be lodged in the treading of your shoes. Snowy or wet boots can be quite dangerous on polished floors.
If you slip and fall on someone else’s property because the owner failed to maintain a safe environment for visitors or customers, then you may be eligible to recover financial compensation through a premises liability lawsuit with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
Injured in a slip and fall accident in Port Jefferson, NY, call The Law Office of Matthew Glassman at (631) 406-4385 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. More than three decades of trial-tested experience!