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Avoiding Common Winter Slip and Fall Injuries
The winter season is upon us — temperatures are dropping, cold winds are blowing, and snow and ice are likely to build up on every outdoor surface. As you prepare for cold weather by wearing warm clothing, making sure your house is insulated, and keeping winter supplies on hand, also be aware of the increased danger of slip and fall injuries caused by slippery walking surfaces.
Common Winter Injuries
Snow and ice on roads, sidewalks, and driveways present a major hazard, and melting snow and ice can also lead to wet, slick floors, creating additional dangers nearly everywhere people will be walking in the winter. These conditions can lead to a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Head injuries - Slipping on an icy sidewalk or wet floor and hitting one’s head on the ground, pavement, or a nearby object can result in traumatic brain injury, which can be very serious. Symptoms of brain injuries do not always show up right away; therefore, be aware of any headaches, nausea, dizziness, memory loss, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
- Neck and back injuries - The whiplash motion of the head and neck during a fall can result in neck injuries. Additionally, back and spine injuries can occur when someone’s body strikes the ground. Injuries to the spine can result in disability and permanent, costly medical care.
- Shoulder and wrist injuries - People often injure their arms when they attempt to grab a handhold when falling or when they break their fall with their hands. The impact from a fall can lead to dislocated shoulders, torn rotator cuffs, dislocated or fractured elbows, and strained or broken wrists. These injuries are often very painful and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Knee and ankle injuries - When attempting to regain one’s balance while slipping, it is easy to twist or dislocate ankles or knees. Falls can also result in knee and ankle fractures.
- Hip fractures - Falling on one’s back or side can result in a broken hip, which can cause long-term, chronic pain. Seniors are especially susceptible to this type of injury.
Practicing Winter Safety
To avoid slip and fall injuries in the winter, take the following precautions:
- Clear snow from walkways and use salt to melt ice on these surfaces;
- Walk slowly and carefully on slippery surfaces, taking small steps;
- Provide extra support to children and seniors while walking;
- Maintain secure footing when scraping ice from a car or shoveling snow.
- If you do fall, try to relax your muscles and tuck in your chin to avoid hitting your head on the ground;
- Avoid wearing footwear with smooth soles or high heels; and
- Avoid carrying large or heavy loads while walking on slippery surfaces.
Contact a Milwaukee Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured after slipping and falling on snow or ice, and the injury occurred because of someone’s negligence, the skilled, experienced attorneys of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can help you recover compensation for your damages. Contact our Milwaukee, WI slip and fall accident lawyers today at 414-271-1440.
Sources:
http://www.oip.com/avoid-common-winter-injuries-with-these-helpful-tips/
https://www.sfmic.com/safety/avoid-winter-slips-and-falls/
https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/how-to-prevent-winter-slip-and-fall-injuries-at-your-workplace/
http://www.bisociety.org/level-pain-injury-slip-fall-accidents/
