How to Prevent Slip and Falls in the Winter

Exercising caution while walking outside in the winter is crucial. Ice and snow create dangerous conditions on sidewalks, parking lots, and steps. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of a slip and fall accident.

Falls are preventable. You can take specific precautions to avoid slipping on hazards and getting hurt. You must always be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to where you walk, especially during the cold winter months.

Tips to Prevent a Slip and Fall

Tips you can follow to keep yourself safe during the winter and prevent a fall include:

• Wear appropriate shoes – Whether you’re going to work or running errands, wearing the right shoes is vital to prevent injury. Shoes without slip-resistant material increase the likelihood of falling on snow or ice. You might not like the look of your winter boots, but they provide traction and keep you steady. Wear them outside and change into other shoes when you arrive at your destination.
• Don’t run – Avoid running outside on surfaces covered with snow, ice, or sleet. Walking slowly and cautiously is best, so you can navigate the slippery areas easily.
• Brace yourself – You can brace yourself by using door handles, railings, and other sturdy objects while walking in dangerous weather conditions. You are more likely to catch yourself and prevent a fall.
• Avoid putting your hands in your pockets – You should never walk outside with your hands in your pockets. Keeping your hands free allows you to catch yourself and break your fall if you slip.
• Don’t carry heavy items – It might be impossible in certain scenarios but try to avoid carrying heavy objects across ice or snow. Parking lots and sidewalks can get extremely slippery in the winter, and carrying heavy items can make you lose your balance.

What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall

If you get hurt in a slip and fall accident, seek medical care immediately. Go to the emergency room so a physician can evaluate your injury after leaving the scene. Your doctor might recommend follow-up care. If they do, follow their orders. Even minor injuries might require ongoing treatment to heal correctly.

Skipping your appointments is never a good idea. Insurance companies often deny claims or offer low settlements when there’s a gap in treatment. You should attend every scheduled appointment regularly until your medical providers release you from their care.

You should also hire an attorney. Some slip and falls are no one’s fault, but accidents happen. However, if the property owner is negligent in causing or failing to remedy dangerous conditions, they could be liable for your injury. For example, someone who doesn’t ice the sidewalk in front of their store might be at fault for a visitor’s accident. Your lawyer can investigate and file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek compensation on your behalf.

Maintaining adequate records is essential after a slip and fall. You should keep a copy of your billing statements, treatment records, and other documents related to the incident. Having evidence to prove what happened can benefit your personal injury case. You must be able to show you sustained an injury due to the dangerous conditions on someone else’s property.

Contact a Trusted Slip and Fall Attorney in New York City

The Mandel Law Firm fights for people others have wronged. When you hire us to represent you in your slip and fall case, you will receive personalized attention. We know no two cases are alike and tailor our legal strategy to meet each client’s unique needs.

If you sustained injuries in a slip and fall due to someone else’s negligence, call us at (646) 779-1441 now for a consultation to learn more about your legal options.