Fall Awareness: How To Reduce The Risks Of Slip And Fall Accidents In Monterey

For many Monterey residents, fall is a favorite time of year. After a busy summer season, it is generally a more laid-back time of the year and the weather is mostly pleasant. This makes it perfect for walking, dining out, shopping, and engaging in the many local fall-themed activities throughout the area. However, accidents can still happen and it is important to be aware of the risks.

Unfortunately, fall happens to be the time of year when slip and fall accidents are most likely to happen. Our Monterey slip and fall injury lawyer explains some of the reasons why they occur and how to reduce your risks.

Dangerous Conditions That Make Monterey Falls More Likely To Happen

Despite being one of the least foggy times of the year, fall in Monterey is still fairly damp. The moist air coming off the Pacific and falling leaves from local trees, as well as the general decrease in daytime hours, can make slip-and-fall accidents more likely to happen.

According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), falls are the leading cause of personal injuries in Monterey County. They send more than 10,000 people to hospital emergency rooms each year while claiming the lives of close to 30 victims. Conditions that can make these accidents more likely to occur during the fall season include:

• Wet, slippery floors and sidewalks;
• Cluttered aisles and walkways;
• Lack of lighting indoors, in outside areas, and on stairs;
• Failure to clean up leaves, fallen tree branches, or otherwise fail to maintain landscaping.

How To Reduce Monterey Fall Risks

The National Floor Safety Council warns that falls have the potential to result in serious personal injuries that could impact your health for years into the future. Broken bones, severe bruises, herniated discs, and other back, neck, or head injuries are all common. To reduce your risks, take these precautions:

• Wear appropriate shoes and look for non-slip shoes;
• Avoid distractions, such as headphones, when walking;
• Watch your step and steer clear of closed or cluttered areas and places under construction;
• Use your cell phone flashlight if it is difficult to see;
• Use handrails on stairs and avoid getting too close to ledges at heights.

Unfortunately, despite taking reasonable precautions, slip-and-fall accidents in Monterey can still happen. When they do, it is often caused by negligence on the part of property owners. They can be held liable for failure to maintain public areas or warn visitors of potential risks.

To protect your rights in a claim, notify the property owner or on-site security when a slip or fall happens. Make sure an accident report is filed, seek immediate medical care, and avoid downplaying your injuries.

Contact Our Monterey Slip-Fall Injury Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents in Monterey can have major impacts on your health. At the Allen Law Firm, we help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact our Monterey slip-fall lawyer and request a consultation today.

Sources:

epicenter.cdph.ca.gov/ReportMenus/CallReportingServicesDataSummaries.ashx?reportID=12&reportDataID=3&DataYear=2015&countyList=27&minAge=0&maxAge=255&ageGroupSelected=0&OutputFormat=1

nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/