Preventing slip and fall in Maryland
Falls pose a serious hazard to health. Whether young or old, maintaining balance sometimes escapes us—especially when tripped up by darkness, debris, or deteriorated flooring.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports falls are the leading cause of death for adults 65 and older. In my personal injury practice, we handle cases for clients who suffer broken bones, bruising, and brain injury from accidental falls. But taking a slip or a tumble can be life threatening at any age.
While slip and fall accidents will always happen, some can be avoided by maintaining your own fitness and that of your home environment. Consider these tips:
- Avoid slips by cleaning up or steering clear of liquid and other spills.
- Use rubber-backed rugs and avoid loose carpeting.
- Slips and trips happen when there is an unexpected change in contact between foot and floor. Walk at an even pace, watch your step, and use caution on uneven, slippery, or polished flooring.
- Wear well-fitted footwear appropriate for weather conditions, have your vision checked annually, and stay physically fit—flexibility is key in reducing injury from falls, and in recovering from them.
- Pay attention to where you are walking.
- Keep your hands available to break a fall. For example, use a shopping cart in a store.
- In homes with pets, be cautious when pets get underfoot, especially around stairways.
Try to use caution when you put one foot in front of the other—and get where you are going safely.
