With warm weather comes outdoor recreation, and that often includes water activities. Unsurprisingly, the most common personal injury claims resulting from slips and falls in the warmest months of the year are connected to water: pools, lakes and rivers, boat docks, and other public areas. The Sacramento area, with its many lakes, rivers, and public pools, is no exception.
Not only do people make more claims stemming from slips and falls around water, but injuries tend to be more severe. There are two things to understand about water-related falls: first, they are often avoidable. This doesn’t mean it’s your fault; someone else’s negligence may still be part of the equation. Second, serious injuries with long-term consequences may result from what seem like simple slips and falls; it’s essential to get medical attention as soon as possible if you are hurt.
See how our Sacramento slip and fall attorneys can help your family.
Here are the most common sources of slip and fall accidents in the summertime that our firm sees, along with the elements that can point to negligence and the most common injuries resulting from each situation.
- Water Park and Swimming Pool (Public and Private) Accidents
Hazards and Potential for Negligence
Often, especially in busy water parks, walkways and exit areas around pools may lack proper drainage, which leads to standing water. Another risky factor is the lack of adequate supervision. If a water park is understaffed and all areas are not monitored properly, there is a much higher chance of injury.
Common Injuries: Head trauma, concussions, and sprains are some of the most common injuries reported. The age-old admonishment applies to limit your chance of getting injured around swimming pools and water park pools: walk, don’t run.
- Boating Areas: Docks and Marinas
Hazards and Potential for Negligence
As you can imagine, the list is lengthy: Wet, or worn, walkways, especially ramps leading to and from docks, are a high-danger zone for marinas. Some people see strips of surface coatings but don’t necessarily think about the areas between the strips, or the fact that the strips may be old and thoroughly worn, making them ineffective. Also, the act of simply getting in and out of boats, if proper handrails are not present and uneven or damaged dock planks, increases the chance of slipping and falling.
Common Injuries: With so many uneven and varied surfaces in marinas and on docks, falls often result in broken bones, concussion and other head injuries, or worst-case scenarios such as drowning if someone falls into the water while exiting or entering a boat and a dock doesn’t have life preservers or other lifesaving equipment nearby. Carefully scan ramps and docks; don’t assume traction strips are effective.
- Outdoor Dining, Patios, and Decks in Private Residences
Hazards and Potential for Negligence
Being outdoors means a higher likelihood of walking on uneven surfaces, such as backyard rock or stepping-stone pathways, patios, and decks. Additionally, warm weather means more time spent outdoors at night, when all of the surfaces are potentially compounded by being poorly or not lit.
Common Injuries: As you can probably guess, injuries from slips on outdoor surfaces like patios and decks often result in sprained, rolled, or fractured ankles, sprained knees, and elbow and shoulder injuries. Flip on an exterior light or use your phone’s flashlight to help illuminate your path.
- Sidewalks and Walkways in Public Spaces
Hazards and Potential for Negligence
Ignored maintenance issues like damaged or cracked walkways or sidewalks, especially at night in parks, plazas, or other event venues, are common scenarios for slips, trips, and falls in the summer. Exercising outdoors, which increases in the summer, also increases the number of slips and falls, especially in urban settings.
Common Injuries: As with other falls due to uneven surfaces (not necessarily wet), personal injury claims involving sidewalks and walkways often include sprains of the knees and ankles, elbow and wrist fractures, and concussions. Pay attention by scanning for potential hazards ahead; try to avoid deteriorated walkways, steps, or damaged sidewalks.
- Wet Playgrounds and Walkways Due to Sprinklers
Hazards and Potential for Negligence
Sprinklers in parks where people, especially children, may be walking or playing, are sometimes seen as no big deal because it’s warm. However, the ground or playground equipment may be slippery, and many parks lack signage or barricades where sprinklers meant for the lawn or landscaping end up pooling where they shouldn’t.
Common Injuries: Visitors wearing flip-flops, sandals, or even going barefoot, all of which have limited traction, increase the chance of ankle and knee injuries, as well as concussions or back injuries. If you are taking children to public areas like playgrounds, take a towel along to dry equipment, or better yet, come back when they are dry. Best idea: Don’t run through water!
Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys: Free Consultation, No Fees Unless You Win
If you need advice or support regarding a claim or case, contact the slip and fall attorneys at Eason & Tambornini.
Call (916) 438-1819 today to schedule a free consultation. If we take your case, you will pay nothing unless and until you win a settlement.