Understanding the Hazards of Falling Injuries

Short falls can be more dangerous than most people realize. A fall from a seemingly low height is not something enough people take seriously, but it can lead to major injuries nonetheless. This is why it is so important to look after yourself in everyday situations. Falls can cause serious injuries, often happen when you don’t expect it, and in most cases are preventable.

There are several aspects of falling injuries that you should be aware of, including:

The risk of serious injury – Falling from standing – for instance when you slip on ice or liquids – can generate enough force to cause permanent injury and even death. Falls often happen on hard surfaces, like concrete or asphalt, and many times you fall in ways that make it difficult to absorb the impact. You may try to catch yourself with a hand or arm, which can break quite easily – especially when absorbing a hundred plus pounds of weight. Or you may not get the chance to brace yourself and your head hits the ground. This can lead to brain injuries and sometimes even death.

The surprise factor – Falls from a low height – like when you slip and fall while walking – are the type that surprise you, the ones that happen when you are not prepared. You may turn a corner in a store where someone failed to mark the area as “Slippery”. Down you go. A simple slip like this can cause you to hit your head, break bones and worse, all when you are least expecting it.

Falls are often preventable – At work there are federal safety guidelines in place to protect you from falls. This is supposed to be the case in places of business as well, like grocery stores, shopping malls and restaurants. But sometimes management or the staff fail to do their duty and warn you of such hazards. This is why a personal injury lawyer is often necessary in slip and fall situations, because those responsible could have prevented your injury – had they been following safety guidelines.

Proactively Protect Yourself

Understand that even with regulations and good intentions, sometimes there will still be falling hazards when you are out and about. Try to always pay attention when you are walking, looking out for any potential hazards like broken sidewalks, wet or icy surfaces, or other obstacles. If you cannot avoid such hazards, move across them as carefully as possible. Avoid walking when you cannot see where you are going, such as when you are texting or turning your head to look at something. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the easier it is to avoid a dangerous fall.