Although it is common for slip and fall accidents to occur in winter with ice and snow, there are two major reasons for slip and fall injuries that come with autumn: falling leaves and dwindling sunlight.
Both factors can, and often do, result in slip and fall accidents and personal injury.
This discussion is a review of how autumn also presents slip and fall injury risks.
Falling Leaves
That lovely multi-colored coating on the ground makes it difficult to see the surface beneath the leaves. Is the ground even? Is there a hole, a standpipe, or a curb?
Not knowing what lies beneath your feet as you walk on leaves can easily lead to falling when the foot does not hit even the ground evenly.
One way to deal with this problem is to use a walking stick or some type of pole and tap the ground in front so you can feel the uneven ground before twisting your ankle on it.
Slip and fall injuries are even more likely when it rains in autumn. This is because wet leaves can be as dangerous as ice. Since it is almost impossible to rake wet leaves, the best course of action for all homeowners and business owners is to have the leaves cleared on a regular basis, as quickly as possible, to avoid accidents.
Less Daylight in Autumn
There is less daylight every day in autumn. Evening comes quickly, and often, much of work, school, and daily activities are still underway when the sky grows dark. Sidewalks, stairways, decks, and parking lots can suddenly be hazardous because people are walking on them in the dark.
To combat this problem, lights need to be turned on earlier. This problem will continue to get worse until late December.
It is very bright just after the sun rises and before it sets. Much of what is considered rush hour, 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., is during a time when the sun is rising or setting in autumn.
How can Homeowners and Business Owners Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents?
There are a few precautionary steps that homeowners and business owners can take when summer turns to autumn to prevent accidents:
- Rake the leaves regularly. No one likes raking leaves, especially when there are tons of them. The good thing about raking the leaves regularly is it gives the homeowner or business owner a chance to reduce the workload at the end of autumn when many trees will let go of most of their leaves and blanket the ground everywhere.
- Make sure the lighting is adequate. Homeowners and property owners should make sure the lighting is adequate around the building. This means not only making sure the lights are in working order and repairing ones that are not, but also that they are turned on at the time when the sky is growing dark each day. In autumn, the sun is setting earlier each day, so it is important to check the weather and make sure the lights are turned on at the appropriate time.
- Repair uneven or cracked ground surfaces. Cracks or breaks in the concrete or blacktop in decking, pavestones, and paths around the building should all be repaired before leaves start falling, as it is likely a person will lose their footing when the ground is covered.
South Jersey Slip and Fall Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Assist Those Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is recommended that you speak to the South Jersey slip and fall lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm right away. Our experienced lawyers will examine every detail of the case and help you get the compensation you need to cover your injuries and treatments. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free consultation. With an office in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we assist accident victims in Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, Woodbury, and across South Jersey.