Florida slip and fall accidents are often associated with the winter, when rains and cooler weather are common. However, summer is also a high-risk time for these types of personal injuries, especially among the elderly. There are many reasons why emergency rooms across Florida see Florida brain injury patients, broken bones, and other problems associated with slip and fall injuries:
1) More traffic and activity. More people are out and about in the summer, and more tourists flock to the state in the summer months. This can mean more pedestrian traffic and even crowds. In crowds, slip and fall accidents are more common, as it is easy to trip over someone’s foot or handbag. Worse, slip and fall accidents in crowds can be more dangerous, as others can step on someone who has fallen, adding to the injury.
2) The effects of heat and the sun. Summer weather can lead to glare, which can cause visibility problems. Heat and sun can also lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion, which can cause dizziness and even fainting. It is important to stay hydrated and covered up in the winter. Younger children and the elderly may need help getting extra water, as well as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to help protect against Florida weather.
3) More time outdoors. While extra exercise outdoors is a positive step, the outdoors pose a number of challenges, including uneven sidewalks and other hazards for the elderly.
4) More plant life. Untrimmed bushes and long grasses can hide obstacles and can lead to trip and fall accidents – as well as Florida premises liability claims. It is important to keep walkways and sidewalks clear of vegetation so that everyone can walk safely.
5) Water. Florida summers often mean pools, sprinklers, water fountains, watering the garden, and other water activities. However, it is important to keep in mind that water also means a bigger risk of slip and fall injuries. Around the pool, install no-slip treads. If you need to water your garden or will be using sprinklers or water fountains, make sure that the water does not seep or pool onto walkways, driveways, and sidewalks, where it can create slippery surfaces. As well, take a look at gutters at this time of year – when they are not cleaned regularly, they can cause pools of water to form near your home after summer showers, which can be dangerous for visitors and your family. As well, keep an eye on water indoors. Dragging in water from the pool can create slippery conditions indoors, too. Keep a rug by the door to catch wet towels and shoes. Clean up any spills or water on the floor promptly.
6) Summer shoes. Summer shoes may be designed to keep feet cool, but some types of summer shoes do not provide great support for walking or driving. Keep slide-on shoes and flip-flops for the beach. For everyday walking, choose sandals or shoes with good treads and good support. Shoes should close around the heel and not be in any danger of slipping off.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Florida slip and fall accident, contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation at our offices in Miami, Homestead, or Hollywood. Your free accident consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and to find out what the Flaxman Law Group can do for you. Get the facts from an experienced South Florida personal injury attorney before you make any decisions in your case. It costs you nothing and your free accident consultation puts you under no obligation.