Protecting Yourself Against Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips and falls are often seen as nothing more than embarrassing incidents, some evidence of clumsiness, or being distracted on your part. The fact is, falls often occur due to the negligent actions of property owners and can leave you suffering serious personal injuries as a result. In September, safety advocates seek to raise awareness about the dangers of falls, how they typically happen, and what you can do to prevent them. Learn more about protecting yourself against slip and fall injuries.
Fall Awareness Focuses on Serious Safety Issues
September 23, 2019, was designated as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Sponsored by the National Council of Aging (NCOA), it sheds light on a common hazard which can cause serious harm to older adults, as well as people of all ages.
While falls are often brushed off as simply embarrassing accidents, they are actually the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. For older adults, injuries due to even minor falls can worsen chronic health conditions and may even hasten early death. Regardless of your age, slips and falls put you at risk of suffering from the following:
Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle or tendon sprains and strains
Broken bones
Back and neck injuries, such as slipped or herniated discs
Head injuries, resulting in concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
When falls do occur, it is important to report it to the property owner and to get immediate medical treatment. Injuries you sustain could have serious impacts on your future health and well-being.
Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries
When protecting yourself against fall and slip injuries, there are measures you can take both at home and in public spaces.
Home Prevention
Older adults are encouraged to make changes in their home to help avoid falls. This is what you can do:
Repair worn flooring
Get rid of throw rugs
Remove clutter
Install handrails in showers
Prevention in Public Spaces
People of all ages needed to be on alert for common situations in public places that could make falls more likely to happen. These include:
Wet floors
Loose paving tiles
Uneven sidewalks
Unguarded heights
Poor lighting conditions
Lack of handrails on stairs
Blocked aisles
Anywhere renovations or other work is taking place.
When slip and fall accidents occur as a result of any of the above, the property owner can be held legally liable. You may be able to file a claim against their insurer or seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Under the South Carolina Statutes, damages you may be entitled to include coverage of current and future medical expenses, any lost wages you suffer, and compensation for any lingering disabilities that result.
Contact Us Today for Help
When accidents leave you suffering serious injuries, the Surasky Law Firm, LLC helps you get the compensation you need to recover. We can represent you in insurance company negotiations and advise you on your rights in filing a lawsuit against the at-fault parties involved. In either situation, our goal is to get you the maximum amount you are entitled to in your claim. Contact our Aiken slip and fall accident attorney to request a consultation today.
