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According to a slip and fall lawyer in Santa Monica, CA from Cohen Legal, slip and fall accidents can be frightening and painful experiences, and unfortunately, they are also quite common. While some of these incidents are simply unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury from a slip and fall. By following the advice provided, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm.
Inspect Your Property for Hazards
If you are a property owner, it is important to make sure your premises are free of any potential hazards that can lead to slips and falls. A good way to do this is to regularly inspect your property for any trip or slip hazards. This includes inspecting walkways and other areas that may become slippery due to wet or icy conditions. Make sure all pathways and stairs are properly maintained, as well as ensuring that there are no objects on the ground that could cause someone to trip or slip. Additionally, if there are any changes in the terrain, such as steps or uneven surfaces, make sure that these changes are clearly marked. Finally, you should also be aware of any objects, such as loose boards or nails, that could cause someone to fall or trip.
Keep Your Property Well-Lit
Poor lighting can cause a dangerous situation, as it can make it difficult for people to see potential hazards such as uneven surfaces or spills. It’s important to keep both the interior and exterior of your property well-lit at all times. Inside, consider installing additional lighting fixtures in dark areas like hallways and staircases. Outside, make sure that any walkways, decks, and driveways have enough lighting for visitors to see clearly. Additionally, it’s a good idea to replace any lightbulbs that are burned out immediately.
Wear Appropriate Footwear
It is important to always choose the right type of shoes for the environment. Non-skid and rubber soled shoes are best for wet or slippery surfaces. For icy conditions, it is recommended to wear snow boots, slip-on traction cleats, or other footwear specifically designed for that environment. Shoes with heels or other pointed toes should be avoided as they can easily get stuck in cracks and crevices. Additionally, any worn out soles or heels can increase the risk of a slip and fall.
If you are going to be in an area with an increased risk of slipping and falling, such as a pool deck or a wet surface, it is advised that you wear shoes with rubber soles. The same goes for walking in wet conditions outdoors; it is important to wear shoes with good traction and grip to prevent you from slipping and falling. Wearing sandals or flip flops should also be avoided, as these types of shoes provide little protection from slips and falls.
Use Caution When Walking on Slippery Surfaces
First, it is important to inspect any area you are about to walk on for any potential slippery surfaces. If you notice any surfaces that appear wet, icy, or otherwise slippery, take extra care to avoid them. Wear shoes with good traction to provide extra stability while walking on slippery surfaces. When walking on wet surfaces, move slowly and deliberately to prevent slipping and losing your balance. Take small steps and try to stay in an upright position as much as possible. Keep your center of gravity low and don’t make sudden or jerky movements.
Even when taking precautions, you can still get hurt. Contact a slip and fall lawyer in your area today if you or a loved one has been injured recently in an accident.