Many people underestimate the severity of a slip and fall until they experience one firsthand. In less than a second, you can break your hip or back, or even suffer a traumatic brain injury. Steep medical bills and painstaking rehabilitation often follow the immediate shock and trauma of a fall.
The most frustrating aspect of most trips and falls is that with a bit of care and attention, the property owner could have avoided the incident. Fortunately, victims may have an avenue of legal recourse by filing a premises liability lawsuit.
If you have sustained injuries on someone else’s property, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident attorney from our firm can evaluate the details of your accident and determine if you may have valid grounds for a lawsuit. We can structure your claim, gather evidence, question witnesses and litigate your case if it goes to court. Call us today at 319-393-1020 to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, read on to learn three important steps you should take to prevent slips and falls:
1. Practice Good Housekeeping
According to the United States Department of Labor, a slip and fall can happen almost anywhere at any time. However, may of the causes of major falls, such as poor housekeeping, are preventable.
If you work in an environment where there are likely to be spills, wet spots, ice or clutter, then cleaning is particularly important. Get into a habit of mopping up spills as soon as they happen, and mark spill areas with appropriate warnings and signage.
Sweep up clutter and debris from all floors, and remove obstacles that obstruct walkways. This includes loose cables crossing walkways.
It is also important to be aware of loose rugs, mats and carpets. If they do not lie flat, then you should tape or tack them to the floor in order to prevent trips.
If an area is well lit, there are likely to be fewer accidents. Replace broken light bulbs and faulty switches to ensure that there are no hazards hiding in dark corners.
2. Choose the Right Shoes
According to CCOHS, one of the most important factors to consider when avoiding slips and falls is footwear. If you work around obvious hazards or intend walking on slippery surfaces, then it is important to wear appropriate shoes. There is no shoe that can save you from slipping in all conditions, so be sure to review the manufacturer’s advice and choose the right shoe for your needs.
3. Install Appropriate Flooring
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, it is important to change walking surfaces if they become slippery or dangerous. You may have to recoat the surface or replace the floor entirely. Other measures that may prevent slips and falls include abrasive strips, mats or paint-on coating.
The best way to prevent someone from slipping on your property is to be proactive about potential hazards, and to maintain a high standard when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. If have suffered injuries due to a fall or accident on someone else’s property, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
A Cedar Rapids personal-injury lawyer from our firm will investigate your accident and advise you on how to proceed. Call us today at 319-393-1020 to schedule an appointment.