Winter Slip and Fall Accidents in West Virginia
Winter in Charleston, West Virginia, means plenty of freezing temperatures, icy conditions and cold, snowy weather. This weather can create chaos in terms of getting from one place to another, resulting in an increased danger for all types of accidents and injuries, including slip and fall accidents.
While road and traffic hazards tend to be a main focus for winter weather warnings, it can be just as slippery and dangerous off the roads. Winter slip and fall accidents are a serious concern.
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[su_column size="3/4"]We know how slip and fall injuries can have a serious and potentially debilitating impact on your health. This winter, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by being aware of the risks that may lead to slip and falls as well as what you can do to prevent these types of accidents.[/su_column]
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SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS COMMON IN WEST VIRGINIA
Slip and fall accidents are common at this time of the year in Charleston and other areas of West Virginia.
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[su_column size="3/4"]Nationwide, slips and falls are among the most common forms of accidental injury. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that there are more than eight million cases involving slip and fall injuries which are seen in hospital emergency room departments each year.[/su_column]
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Unfortunately, falls are the second-leading cause of death in homes and residential communities throughout the country, according to the NSC.
Winter slip and fall accidents can occur due to a variety of factors such as:
- Wet, slushy floors
- Icy or uneven walkways
- Cluttered aisles and hallways
- Concrete and metal stairs that are exposed to the elements.
Common locations in which these accidents occur include:
- Entranceways and exits at places such as banks, movie theatres, and retail outlets
- Areas with heavy traffic such as shopping malls and bus stops
- Places prone to spills such as grocery stores or restaurants
- Areas under construction or going through a renovation
- Stairwells and walkways without stairwells or proper lighting.
INJURIES CAUSED BY SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
While a slip and fall accident can happen to anyone, middle aged and older adults are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents.
The CDC reports that the most common types of injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents include:
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[su_column size="3/4"]Broken bones - These may include broken bones in the wrist, arm, ankle and hip. Hip fractures, in particular, are one of the most common and (and serious) injuries suffered by older adults in falls. Hip injuries can result in decreased mobility for victims, including the inability to perform simple daily tasks or even to live on their own.[/su_column]
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[su_column size="3/4"]Head injuries - These injuries can be serious and potentially deadly. This type of injury may result in traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can affect the victim's physical mobility and cognitive reasoning and mental functions. A TBI victim may lack the ability to communicate and to remember or identify people and events.[/su_column]
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If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, our Charleston personal injury lawyers can advise you on how to pursue a personal injury claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
According to the CDC, as the result of a slip and fall injury, older adults often experience a general decline in overall health, which may require lengthy hospitalization or care in a rehabilitative or assisted living facility.
Unfortunately, the CDC states, once an older adult has experienced an injury due to a fall, the adult's weakened physical condition will make him or her more susceptible to falls and injuries in the future.
RISK FACTORS AND TIPS TO PREVENT SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
The CDC advises the public that risk factors which may contribute to the chance of falling include:
- Poorly fitting or inadequate footwear
- Problems with vision or needing a new prescription for eyeglasses
- Clutter or throw rugs in the home or residence which are easily tripped over.
| The CDC publishes guides from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which recommends management and their workers in retail, hospitality and other industries take the appropriate steps to prevent slip and fall injuries, both during the winter months and throughout the year. These include: |
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GET HELP FROM OUR CHARLESTON, WV SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT LAWYERS
If you or your loved one has been injured in a slip or fall accident, contact our experienced Charleston, West Virginia accident lawyers today.
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[su_column size="3/4"]At the law firm of Mani, Ellis, & Layne, PLLC, we provide aggressive legal representation for clients injured in winter slip and fall accidents. If you have suffered an injury, an insurance company may contact you and try to get you to settle for less than your injury is worth or even deny your claim altogether.[/su_column]
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We can help you to negotiate with the insurance company as well as advise you on filing a personal injury claim for damages relating to your injury.
You may be entitled to compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and permanent disability.
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[su_column size="3/5"]Get the experienced, effective legal service you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Before talking to or settling with an insurance company, call or contact us online today for a free consultation.[/su_column]
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