Snowstorm Accidents: Most Common Injuries- Snowstorms are a wonderful if not magical occurrence if you’re a skier or a snowshoer. But for others, especially less agile older folks, winter storms present significant dangers, the most prevalent of which is a slip-and-fall accident.
Most people need to get outside now and again to acquire supplies and food, and simply walking an icy sidewalk, or crossing a snowy, slippery parking lot can present major challenges. According to the National Law Review, slipping and falling is one of the leading causes of preventable injury in the U.S. alone, and most of those falls happen during the cold, winter months.
Common Injuries-If you should happen to suffer a significant injury during a slip and fall accident in and around an apartment complex, or a shopping mall, or on a city sidewalk, or any place where slippery conditions should be mitigated by a responsible owner, you need to contact a personal injury attorney right away. A reputable personal injury attorney will represent your claim in a court of law and get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Says one leading personal injury lawyer in Atlanta, Julian Lewis Sanders and Associates, LLC., slip and fall injuries occur when you fall to the ground due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. Slip and falls are considered a personal injury.
An indirect cause of slip and fall can be a condition in the environment, like a snowfall, that plays a factor in someone losing their balance, and going down hard on the pavement. Other examples of indirect slip and fall conditions include poorly lit walkways, low light areas, and even missing handrails.
Common Injuries
Slip and fall incidents can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on a number of factors involved. For instance, elderly people who already have pre-existing, structural conditions like a weak pelvis, or back and neck issues, possess a higher risk of suffering a severe, or even life-threatening injury. Falls that occur during a winter storm may at first seem minor, or even non-threatening, but they can end up being very serious for the victim.
That said, what are the 4 most common injuries during slip and fall in Winter snowstorms?
- Sprain and Strain due to Slip and Fall
Common Injuries- Says The National Law Review, strains and sprains occur when the body’s soft tissue is grossly stretched or even torn. Sprains are related directly to torn and overly stretched ligaments, whereby strains affect tendons. In both cases, your range of motion will be greatly altered, and you will suffer a lot of pain.
Winter conditions increase the chances of suffering strains and sprains due to slipping and falling on slick pavement. If you become the victim of this kind of slip and fall, and you’re in so much discomfort you can’t even work, you need to seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer right away.
- Broken Bones and Fractures due to Slip and Fall
Common Injuries– The National Floor Safety Institute claims that approximately one in 20 falls will result in a serious fracture and/or broken bones. For older victims, this could mean a broken pelvis and/or a broken hip which could potentially be life-threatening.
Whatever the case, the victim’s recovery is entirely dependent on how bad the fracture/break is. One thing is for certain if the personal injury occurred during a snowstorm on another person’s property, it is imperative that you contact a reputable personal injury attorney right away. You must be aware of your legal rights.
- Spinal Column and Back Injuries due to Slip and Fall
Common Injuries- What’s the leading cause of spine and lower back injury in the U.S.? Slip and fall accidents. The possibility of these personal injury accidents only increases during the winter months. If you slip and fall on snowy, icy pavement, and land hard on your back, you stand the chance of fracturing your vertebrae.
Common Injuries- The fracture will place great pressure on the spinal cord and lead to terrible, debilitating pain. If a fall is bad enough, you even stand the chance of becoming paralyzed, permanently. Slipped and herniated discs can also occur after slipping and falling during snowstorms on someone else’s property. These injuries also cause horrible, never-ending pain.
- Brain and Head Trauma due to Slip and Fall
Common Injuries- This is the most serious of all the slip and falls personal injuries during snowstorms–when the victim loses his or her balance and their head collides with the hard ground before any other part of the body. What can result is not only a cracked skull, but a brain injury that can initially go undetected, but then worsen with time if left ignored and untreated. If you suffer this kind of injury, you must head to a medical facility for examination right away.
Common Injuries- Slip and fall accidents are all too common Injuries, and all too dangerous for the victim. But the chances of slipping and falling only gets worse during slippery, stormy Winter conditions. If you find yourself walking on another person’s property that is poorly maintained during a snowstorm, and you become the victim of a bad tumble, you need to contact a reputable personal injury attorney who specializes in slip and fall, right away.
Final words
In conclusion, snowstorm accidents can result in common injuries that can have a significant impact on your well-being. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take proactive measures to prevent slipping and falling during snowstorms. By wearing appropriate footwear, using traction aids, and being cautious when navigating icy surfaces, you can reduce the chances of sustaining injuries such as sprained ankles, fractures, head injuries, and back injuries. Stay safe during snowstorms and enjoy the winter wonderland responsibly.
FAQs
Q: How common are slip and fall accidents during snowstorms?
A: Slip and fall accidents during snowstorms are relatively common, as the slippery and icy conditions increase the risk of such incidents.
Q: What are the most common injuries caused by slipping and falling during snowstorms?
A: The most common injuries resulting from slipping and falling during snowstorms include sprained ankles, fractures, head injuries, back injuries, and wrist injuries.
Q: How can I prevent slip and fall accidents during snowstorms?
A: To prevent slip and fall accidents, it is important to wear appropriate footwear with good traction, use traction aids like ice cleats, take smaller steps, and be cautious when walking on icy or snow-covered surfaces.
Q: What should I do if I slip and fall during a snowstorm?
A: If you slip and fall during a snowstorm, assess yourself for any injuries, seek medical attention if needed, and report the incident to the necessary authorities. It is also advisable to document the scene and gather any relevant information for insurance purposes.
Q: Are there any specific precautions I should take when walking on icy surfaces?
A: When walking on icy surfaces, take smaller steps and walk with your feet pointed slightly outward to improve balance. Avoid carrying heavy items that may affect your stability, and use handrails whenever available for support.
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