What Are Spring and Summer Slip and Fall Hazards?

June 17, 2022

With the spring season fully upon us, the slips and falls normally associated with the fall and winter are thought to be finally behind us. However, that is simply not the case, as the spring can bring its own slippery hazards that businesses and homeowners must be aware of:

• Slippery surfaces: The snow and ice may be gone, but the spring and summer introduction of sprinkler systems and garden hoses have increased slippery surfaces. This includes sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, roads, and walkways. As the temperatures get warmer, more people tend to spend their time outdoors. If they are outside walking in puddles or on wet surfaces, they can track in water into businesses and homes, causing a slippery hazard in itself.
• Outdoors: A study from the University of Utah found that there are hundreds of emergency department visits between May and September from slip and fall injuries outdoors. Many people may not be wearing the correct shoes or are just not careful when hiking, jogging, on a camping trip, or doing any activity outdoors. It may also be because that spring weather brings a significant amount of rain, which can make any surface slick enough to fall. Be cautious around the pool or ocean as well. Where there is water, there are slipping hazards that can cause a fall, especially for children or the elderly.
• Property maintenance: Property owners need to be aware of cracked sidewalks or broken staircases, things that can happen after a harsh winter. Potholes in parking lots are caused by water seeping into cracked pavement and when the temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. Potholes are a common trip hazard that occur as spring transitions from winter.

How to Prevent Spring Slip and Fall Injuries?

Slip and fall injuries happen more in the spring and summer than people may realize, so it is important to do what you can to help prevent any injuries:

• If you are a property owner or business owner, be on a lookout for hazards that winter may have caused, such as potholes or cracked walkways and have them repaired immediately. Make sure that handrails are secure, and carpets are secured if they are torn or frayed.
• When at a pool, remind everyone not to run, and to keep the traffic areas free of any debris.
• Take care of any spills or liquids on the ground as quickly as possible, whether you are at home or own a business. If you do own a business, put out caution signs if there is a slippery surface.

Slip and Fall Injuries in Delaware

If you suffer a slip and fall injury in Delaware, know the law before pursuing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations to file an injury lawsuit in Delaware is two years. Not only is this for seeking compensation for an injury from a slip and fall, but also if you are seeking compensation for property damage from the slip or fall as well, such as breaking an expensive watch. The statute of limitations begins on the date of the accident. Should you attempt to file a lawsuit after the deadline, your case would most likely be dismissed.

Another term in Delaware to be aware of is “comparative negligence”. This means that the plaintiff in an injury case does not receive any compensation if they share any responsibility for the accident than the defendant. However, Delaware has a “modified comparative negligence” law, which means that the plaintiff could still receive compensation if they share some responsibility in the accident, just as long as it is not more than the defendant.

The Delaware Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Those Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident because of the negligence of another, then you could be entitled to compensation. Call our experienced Delaware personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. immediately. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve all communities of Dover, New Castle County, and Sussex County.