Falls cause various physical injuries that may include cuts and bruises, bone fractures, sprains, or even head injuries. Such accidents often lead to permanent pain, restricted movement, and long-term physical impairments.
Legal consequences may result, especially if a trip and fall lawyer proves that there was negligence. This may lead to litigation and insurance costs. Here’s how the weather will affect trip and fall accidents:
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Rain
Rain causes surfaces to become slippery, especially on materials such as tiles, metals, or polished stones. This reduces the friction, which results in slipping and loss of balance. It also limits visibility so that it becomes more difficult to see obstacles, such as variations in surface roughness or height of the pavement. A trip and fall lawyer will also determine if rain worsened existing conditions on pathways by filling up potholes and concealing loose materials.
Snow and Ice
Ice is almost unnoticeable against the background of roads and sidewalks, which is dangerous. Snow also obscures the underlying ground that would otherwise be easily visible. Snow and ice could also affect walking stability, which alters the normal gait and balance.
Fog
Fog limits visibility and poses a risk to pedestrians. When it is foggy, it becomes challenging to observe steps, curbs, or slight variations in elevation. Fog can also hide other possible dangers like bumpy roads and objects on the sidewalk. Fog could increase the chances of people losing their sense of direction or being unable to accurately estimate distances. This is especially hazardous in zones where there are various floor levels or in the proximity of sides of terraced platforms or pathways.
Wind
Dust and other materials like sand can be carried by wind to pathways. This makes it hard for people to see, causing them to fall over. The materials that wind can blow comprise twigs, debris, or even other objects that become detached and become projectiles in windy conditions. This can result in falls, particularly among the elderly or people with poor mobility. People may be blown off their feet or stumble. In coastal areas, wind can transport sand on walkways and make them slippery or create sand dunes.
Sun Glare
Loss of visibility due to high levels of illumination may cause instances where a pedestrian is unable to see objects in their path. This can happen during early morning and sunset. This sudden loss of vision will lead to people being unable to accurately judge steps, curbs, or changes in the height of the pavement. A glare presents challenges to people who are walking on surfaces that are shiny or slippery. When a person moves to a shaded area, their eyes require some time to adapt. This results in a temporary blurring or dimming of vision.
Uneven Surfaces
Unfavorable weather conditions can worsen the risks associated with irregular terrain. Deformities on the pavement or flooring, such as cracks and potholes, tend to worsen with the effects of weather. Heavy rain can wear out the ground, making surfaces rougher. Repeated freeze-and-thaw cycles can also put a lot of pressure on the pavement. This leads to cracking that poses a tripping hazard.
Extreme Heat
During the hot weather, materials such as concrete, tar, and tiles become very hot to the touch. This heat may make these surfaces slippery or overly smooth. The friction between footwear and the hot surface is compromised, and people may be more likely to slip. The heat can also make people sweat, which reduces the ability of the footwear to have a good grip on the hot surfaces.
Work With a Trip and Fall Lawyer
Retaining a trip and fall lawyer will help individuals in obtaining legal advice regarding a premises liability case. These attorneys know how such claims work and will assist in finding out if negligence played a role. They collect evidence, take statements from potential witnesses, and seek advice from specialists. Using an experienced attorney, a victim will be able to bargain with insurance firms to get reasonable amounts to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and discomfort. If necessary, a lawyer will help take their client’s case to court if they are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance adjuster. Contact an attorney for help in your slip and fall case today.
