Winter weather took its first swipe at Pennsylvania last week, and days after the storm, residents are still struggling to remove snow and ice. The temperatures have remained below freezing for several days, and some people are desperate to get out of their driveways and get back to routine. Many people may have made a grocery store or restaurant their first stop, and they should be aware of recent slip-and-falls research as they shop in icy weather conditions.
An expert in the field has released a report, that cites years of data, explaining that slip-and-falls can cause injuries comparable to those one may suffer in a serious auto accident. The expert states that most of these injuries occur on sidewalks, steps and parking lots that haven’t been properly cleared. Wet floors are another common hazard.
When winter weather takes hold, it falls upon proprietors to make sure that an establishment is safe for shoppers. If steps are icy or a wet floor is not properly marked, a customer could suffer serious injuries. Broken bones and brain injuries are not uncommon in slip-and-fall accidents. The study also explains that if older individuals become victims of such an incident, they may be unlikely to ever recover from their injuries.
Slip-and-falls are serious accidents, and Pennsylvania victims should know that help is available. Many victims may begin by retaining the services of an experienced attorney. An attorney can help a client gain a better understanding of the process of determining liability and assist in pursuing the full amount of compensation to which he or she is entitled to receive.