Slip and Fall Accident

The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County is hosting a series of workshops in Carroll County to prevent a major public health issue for adults ages 65 and older, according to The Advocate of Eldersburg and Sykesville. The county-wide Fall Prevention Series is on a mission to aid senior citizens in reducing the risk of falls, a very serious problem that is the leading cause of death in older adults and is the most common cause of hospital admissions for non-fatal injuries and trauma. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that one in every three adults age 65 and older falls each year. Thus, after identifying this major elder health concern, the Partnership created the Fall Prevention Series to prevent falls in Carroll County.

The director of the McDaniel’s Center for Aging says the purpose of the series is to first identify a person’s risk factors and then educate them about how to best manage their risks. The series will be featured in all five of Carroll County’s senior centers on various dates throughout the month of September. Each senior center will have the following free workshops: “Exercises to Improve Balance,” “Preparing for a Medical Crisis,” and “Home Safety Tips for Preventing Falls.” The workshops will be presented by team members representing several groups including Caring Carroll, Central Maryland Rehabilitation Services, and Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland. Any senior citizens interested in attending should contact their local senior and community center.

A slip and fall accident, especially when one is older, has a high risk of leaving the victim with serious injuries that may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Following prevention and safety tips can help prevent a fall accident, but the negligence of another party may still put a person at risk. The slip and fall accident lawyers in Maryland at Alpert Schreyer, LLC can help you obtain compensation for your injuries if your slip and fall was due to the negligent actions of another person. For a free consultation, call (800) 489-1577.

Slip and fall, or trip and fall, accidents are the second leading cause of accidents that lead to personal injury (motor vehicle accidents are first). This type of accident can permanently alter the life of the victim, causing serious injuries such as broken bones, fractures, head injuries, or spinal cord injuries.

As most slip or trip and fall accidents are preventable, the best way to avoid a potentially serious accident is to be attentive to your surroundings and the surface you are walking on. However, slip and fall accidents are extremely common and are often not the fault of the pedestrian, so the following are some of the more typical factors in slip, or trip, and fall accidents so those on two feet can be aware of these potential dangers:

• Wet or slippery surfaces: These are a major cause of slips; highly polished floors, such as terrazzo or ceramic tile, can be very slippery, even when dry. Other areas have a high risk for causing accidents as well, including kitchens or food preparation areas.
• Insufficient lighting: Lighting that is insufficient or inadequate makes it difficult to see any obstacles or changes in the walking surface.
• Environmental Conditions: Slippery surfaces caused by winter ice and snow can be treacherous and can increase cold weather-related injuries.
• Stairways: Nearly half of all falls occur on stairs, so keeping stairs in good condition is essential to prevent a serious accident.
• Elevation Changes: Changes in the elevation of surfaces are a major cause of trip accidents, as even a small change can cause a trip. This can include curbs, cracks in the sidewalk, or ramps.

These causes of slip and fall accidents are frequently preventable as property owners are responsible for maintaining a safe, hazard-free premises at all times. If a property owner fails to do so, negligent parties can be held responsible for any accidents that may occur as a result. The skilled slip and fall accident lawyers in Waldorf with Alpert Schreyer can help you obtain compensation for your injuries if injured in a slip and fall accident. Call (800) 489-1577 to speak with a member of our legal team about your claim.

Slip and fall accidents can unfortunately happen at any time of the year, but the winter season and its icy conditions present unique hazards that can cause slip and trip accidents. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 1 million Americans suffer a slip and fall or trip and fall injury and over 17,000 die each year due these types of accidents. As these statistics show, numerous individuals experience a slip and fall accident, which can result in serious, if not life threatening, injuries, so it is important this holiday season and well into the new year to be extra cautious in the winter months.

The following are tips from Safetytoolboxtalks.com to help prevent a dangerous slip and fall accident:

• Wear slip resistant footwear appropriate for winter, and try to avoid wearing high heels or leather soled shoes, which can be risky in slushy, icy conditions.
• Use skid-resistant mats by doorways to dry your footwear, and when entering a building, clean off any snow or ice that has accumulated.
• When getting in or out of a vehicle, keep a hand on the handle to catch yourself in case you slip.
• Try and keep any pathways at work or home clear of ice and snow.
• Anticipate potential hazards when walking; for example, take short steps if you are about to encounter a slippery, icy surface.
• Slowing down can also help prevent a serious slip and fall. Don’t hurry; give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination.
• Clean up spills immediately that may be caused by melted snow or ice on the floor. If possible, try and mark larger spills with a sign until you or someone else can properly clean up the puddle.

A slip and fall, or trip and fall, accident can result in devastating injuries that may require extensive medical treatment and years of recovery time. If you have been involved in a slip and fall or trip and fall accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a property owner who did not alert others to a wet floor or repair a cracked or broken sidewalk, the Bowie slip and fall accident attorneys at Alpert Schreyer, LLC can help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet. Call (800) 489-1577 for a free consultation.