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Personal Injury Lawyer
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that can arise from slip and fall accidents. Slips and falls are one of the most common types of accidents, and can often be caused by a variety of factors. To help you stay safe this summer, a personal injury lawyer from Therman Law Offices, LTD has identified five of the most common slip and fall accidents to watch out for.
Wet Surfaces
Summer weather can make for slippery surfaces. Be cautious near pools, fountains, sprinklers, and other sources of water. Pay attention to how much water has been left behind after a rainfall or hose down. Puddles, slick grass, and damp walkways can all be hazardous if you are not paying attention. If you find yourself in a situation with a wet surface, be sure to slow down and take caution when walking. Wear shoes with good traction to help keep your feet secure on slick surfaces. Keep an eye out for warning signs and take extra care when navigating a potentially dangerous area.
Uneven Surfaces
Uneven surfaces can occur when there is a change in level, such as when a sidewalk meets a driveway or when a building entrance is not even with the ground. They can also occur when there are large cracks or other damages to a walking surface, such as uneven pavement or broken tiles. Be sure to watch for uneven surfaces, especially around entrances and exits, and take care to step over them slowly and carefully. Make sure to report any uneven surfaces that you notice to the property owner or manager as soon as possible so they can address the issue.
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel on outdoor surfaces can present a real danger for pedestrians in the summer months. When loose gravel is present, it is difficult to maintain balance and your feet may slip unexpectedly, which can lead to serious injury. Be sure to pay extra attention when walking on surfaces, and try to avoid gravelly ones if possible. Also, watch out for loose gravel on stairs or steps, as these can cause serious accidents due to the difficulty of balancing when walking up or down.
Cracked Pavement
As the hot sun shines down and the ground expands and contracts, pavement can crack and cause a person to trip or slip. This is especially true when walking on sidewalks or parking lots, as this type of surface is often neglected and left in disrepair. To help protect yourself from this type of accident, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for areas with crumbling, broken or uneven pavement. If you see a cracked pavement area, avoid it altogether. Even if you are wearing the right kind of shoes with enough grip, you may still slip and fall if you don’t pay attention.
Poor Lighting
If a property has inadequate lighting, it’s hard for people to notice obstacles and other hazards that may exist in their path. Property owners must make sure their premises are adequately lit at all times, otherwise they risk exposing visitors to dangerous situations. It’s important for those who own or manage property to pay attention to the lighting in their area, as well as to regularly check the lighting in pathways, walkways, stairways, and other areas where people may need to move around at night. Property owners should also make sure they have proper signage in place warning visitors of any dark areas that may exist on their property.
If you experience an injury this summer from any isntance mentioned above, contact a lawyer near you for help.