Ice can be treacherous and difficult to spot. Slipping and falling on ice can cause serious injuries. Even if you manage to recover your balance before falling, you may strain a muscle or experience a different injury in the attempt to avoid the fall.
Common Winter Slip and Fall Injuries
Several types of injuries can occur from a fall on ice. The most common include:
- Muscle sprains/strains
- Broken bones (typically wrist or hip fractures)
- Concussions or other brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Bruises
Taking steps to prevent falls is the best way to avoid them. Be sure to wear footwear that is made to handle icy and snowy conditions, and keep your stride shorter when walking in slippery conditions.
Slow down and take your time when walking, keeping an eye out for patches of ice. Walk carefully across parking lots. Shovel and treat walkways, sidewalks, and paths surrounding your home and business.
Who’s at Risk?
Everyone, but particularly older adults and young children. In fact, falls are the top cause of injury among older Americans. Wintry weather conditions contribute to the risk significantly. Slips and fall on ice can result in different types of injuries, but one of the most severe is a hip bone fracture. This injury is difficult to manage and can lead to chronic pain. It especially impacts older Americans with a history of hip injuries or predisposal to osteoporosis.
Children can easily fall and injure themselves, especially during winter activities like sledding. Always supervise children and provide them with helmets when they are participating in winter activities. If your child falls, first check their head for any injuries and then check wrists, elbows, and other areas that may have been affected.
Managing snow and ice removal can be risky as well. In fact, thousands of Americans go to the hospital each year because of injuries sustained while shoveling snow. Even scraping your vehicle windows to remove snow and ice can cause you to pull or strain your back muscles.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
