A chill is starting to gather in the air at night and leaves are already starting to turn on a few trees — which means that autumn is surely here.
It also means that you need to start thinking about how to avoid a dangerous slip-and-fall accident that could leave you seriously injured with broken bones, a fractured spine or a head injury. Here are things to keep in mind.
1. Invest in shoes with a thick tread
In autumn, the weather tends to turn damp and wet. Combined with the damp leaves that end up all over the ground in every parking lot and on every sidewalk, that’s a serious hazard. Put your summer sneakers away and pack up any high heels and sandals for the season. It’s time to get a pair or two of boots with heavy soles on them ready for wear.
2. Be conscious of slippery surfaces
Not only does the ground tend to get covered with leaves, but the leaves themselves often leave behind a residue that can be slippery — especially when it’s damp out! As the season wears on, you’ll also encounter some early mornings that are prone to frost, which can also make cement and asphalt tricky to navigate. Test the ground carefully before you stand up out of your car or step out of your house. Keep your own walkways clear and get some melting salt to toss on the ground on frosty mornings.
3. Don’t be too proud to take assistance
Even when it’s slippery outside due to rain, wind or frost, life doesn’t slow down. If you need to go shopping, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance with your groceries or bags as you head to your car. Most stores would rather customers ask for help than take a tumble in the parking lot!
If you are injured in a fall due to a store owner’s negligent failure to keep his or her parking lot in good condition and clear of debris, it’s wise to discuss your situation with an attorney — particularly if your injuries are serious and you’ll be a long while recovering.