Did you know that more than half of all slip and fall accidents happen at home? Many of these falls could be easily prevented by implementing tiny changes in your home. If you are ever injured in a slip and fall accident, make sure you contact a lawyer or an attorney to see what can be done to help you recover. There are great attorneys located in the Salt Lake City area that specialize in these types of accidents. To make your home slip and fall proof, here are a few things that we suggest.
Remove Tripping Hazards
An important first step is to remove any clutter that could become a tripping hazard. Items such as electric or phone cords, slippery rugs, pet food dishes and small furniture can all become tripping hazards.
Rearrange Furniture to Provide Walkways
Next, you should move furniture to provide adequate space for you to get around. Make sure that you also remove items from your staircases, halls and paths.
Make Sure You Have Appropriate Levels of Light
A common cause of falls is being unable to see the tripping hazard. You should make sure all your pathways are well-lit. Consider putting a lamp close to your bed, within reach always. Many recommend keep a flashlight close by your bed in case the power goes out.
Install Handrails
You should put up handrails on staircases. A good thing to do is to install them on both sides. This way, when you are walking up the stairs with something, you can use your other hand on the handrail. Make sure when carrying items that you can see where you are walking. You should also install bars in your bathtub and shower. Make sure to use them every time you get in and out of the tub and shower.
Rearrange Items to Avoid Using Stairs
A great way to reduce your chances of slip and fall accidents is to put essentials on one level. If you can have your washing machine, dryer, kitchen, a full bathroom, and bedroom all on one level, you should. Stairs are one of the most frequent places that falls occur. Limiting the use of your staircases will decrease your likelihood of having a slip and fall accident in your home.
You can prevent slip and falls in your home, but it is difficult to make the world conform to your needs. Often, the world doesn’t take the same level of precautions that you take in your own home. If you are the victim of an accident due to someone else’s negligence, don’t suffer needlessly. Consider contacting an attorney or lawyer that specializes in these types of accidents. You can get restitution for your pain and suffering with a lawyer on your side.
Links:
https://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/homesafety/01.html
http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/making-your-home-fall-proof
https://eldercare.com/how-to-make-home-fall-proof-for-seniors