Slip-and-fall accidents in Connecticut are dangerous for anyone regardless of age. But when you get older, a slip-and-fall accident becomes less of an inconvenience and more of a major threat to your health and safety. With icy steps and slippery walkways, the winter months are particularly dangerous.
How can you prevent slip-and-fall accidents?
To avoid slips and falls, take your time when you’re walking somewhere. Even if the sidewalk looks clear, there might be a clear patch of ice that you don’t see at first. If you need to be somewhere by a certain time, leave early so that you give yourself plenty of time to get there.
If possible, you should clear your walkway or hire someone to do it for you. It might cost you time or money, but it’s nothing to the amount of time and money you’ll lose if you end up spending days in the hospital. Keep bags of sand, salt, cat litter or defrosting pellets in your garage so that you can defrost the walkway after a snowstorm.
You should also carry a cellphone with you at all times so that you can call for help if you do get injured. If you’re worried that you might slip and fall somewhere, ask somebody to go with you. You should also wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that have extra traction. You never know what might happen, so it’s best to be prepared at all times.
What if you slip and fall in a store or retail area?
When the weather gets bad, stores and public spaces are responsible for clearing their walkways and providing a safe area for their customers. If you slip and fall in a store, hotel, restaurant or another public area, you might be entitled to compensation.
However, you’ll have to prove in court that the business showed negligence and should have known that an accident would happen. An accident attorney may help you gather evidence that backs up your claims and increases your chances of getting a settlement from the other party.
