Slipping and falling is an unfortunate part of life. Even under the best conditions, it’s possible for someone to slip, trip and fall on stairs, while walking or while participating in an activity like grocery shopping or going to a restaurant.
The spring has some slip-and-fall hazards that aren’t as prominent as in other seasons, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for them and to make sure you’re being cautious while entering or exiting buildings, using walkways or walking on local trails. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Spring slip-and-fall risks
Spring is the time of year when you’re more likely to see cracks and holes in sidewalks, streets and other concrete or asphalt-heavy areas. Whenever you are in a parking lot or on a sidewalk, for example, you may notice that there is now a hole or raised area where there wasn’t one before.
Look out for those issues, because if you step into a pot hole or trip over a crack, you could end up with serious injuries.
Another hazard that you may come across is black ice. Since spring is warming up, you’re not as likely to see the few cold days dipping into the 30s as you would in the winter, but you should still be aware that there could be ice in the case of a particularly cold night or morning.
Spring also tends to be the time when business owners and homeowners look into maintenance on their properties. Watch out for work equipment like tools, screws and nails. When you’re entering a property, check for signs about loose railings or damage that you need to go around.
Get help if you’ve been hurt in a slip-and-fall accident
If you were involved in a slip-and-fall accident and have injuries as a result, it’s a good idea for you to talk to the property owner and to go seek emergency medical help. Falls can lead to head injuries, broken bones, back injuries, neck injuries and other wounds that have the potential to cause pain and dysfunction. If your fall leads to injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for your care.