June is National Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about preventing accidents and injuries in our daily lives. While we often focus on workplace safety, it’s crucial not to overlook the safety of our homes. All it takes is one minor mistake to cause an accident leading to your guests filing a personal injury lawsuit against you. Here, our Nevada personal injury attorneys review some tips on how to prevent slip and fall accidents in your home and what to do if you are injured in someone’s home.
Tips to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
Inform Guests of Any Hazards
The best way to prevent slip and fall accidents is to address any hazards before guests arrive. Sometimes, that isn’t always an option. Before having any guests over to your home, inform them about any potential hazards, such as uneven surfaces, steps, or wet areas.
Immediately Clean Up Spills
Spills are a common hazard that can quickly lead to an at home slip and fall accident. Clean up any spills as soon as you come across them and encourage your family and guests to do the same. Have paper towels easily accessible and warning signs for wet areas. By addressing spills and hazards immediately, you reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Clear Pathways
Regularly check for clutter, loose rugs, or any other objects that might pose a tripping hazard. Secure loose rugs with double-sided tape. Use non-slip rug pads to keep rugs from sliding or bunching up. Secure loose cords or cables against walls or use cord covers to keep them out of the way. Also, remove any unnecessary items like shoes or toys in doorways, hallways, and outdoor areas.
Maintain Your Flooring
If you have hardwood or tile floors, ensure they are regularly cleaned and free from spills. Use non-slip treatments or mats in areas that tend to get wet, such as the kitchen or bathroom. Make sure your carpet is secure and take care of any loose threads or uneven surfaces.
Use Adequate Lighting
Poor lighting can increase the risk of accidents, particularly in areas like staircases, hallways, and outdoor walkways. Make sure all areas of your home are well lit. Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms. Additionally, consider using motion-sensor lights outside on walkways and other high traffic areas.
Maintain Outdoor Walkways
Don’t forget the outside areas of your home when taking action to avoid at home slip and fall accidents. Check to see if your outdoor stairs, driveway, or sidewalks have cracks or are crumbling. If so, have them repaired. Clean up any debris like rocks, leaves, toys, tools, etc. Lastly, make sure to be mindful of areas that might get wet.
What to Do If You Slip and Fall at a Friend’s House
Experiencing a slip and fall injury at a friend’s house can be both distressing and potentially awkward when pursuing legal action. This is a complex and sensitive situation that might strain your relationship. If your friend’s negligence contributed to your injury, it is important to know your legal rights when filing a personal injury claim and seeking compensation.
Here are a few steps to take if you want to file a claim:
- Seek medical attention: make sure to get proper medical treatment for your injuries. This will not only help you recover but also establish a record of your injuries, which will be used as evidence in your claim.
- Document the incident: take photographs and video of the accident scene and your injuries. If there were any witnesses present, obtain their information.
- Inform your friend you plan to file a personal injury claim: let your friend know about the incident and that you are filing a claim. Filing a personal injury claim against someone you know can be a difficult decision. Openly discussing your intentions with your friend is essential to maintain transparency and your friendship. Communication is essential to help avoid misunderstandings.
- Determine liability: your attorney will review the evidence of the case to prove your friend was negligent. To establish negligence, you typically need to prove that your friend had a duty of care towards you, breached that duty, and that the breach resulted in your injury.
- Ask about insurance: if your friend has homeowner’s insurance, their policy may cover personal injury claims resulting from accidents on their property. It is important to remember that if you file a personal injury claim the settlement will be paid for out of their insurance.
Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact ER Injury Attorneys
By following the tips mentioned above, you can prevent slip and fall accidents and create a safer environment for yourself and loved ones. Taking the time to address any hazards can end up saving yourself or a friend from experiencing potential injuries like broken bones, soft tissue injuries, or even a catastrophic injury. Accidents and injuries are still possible, even if you follow safety precautions.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident due to the negligence of another, the slip and fall accident attorneys at ER Injury Attorneys can help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve. We’ve successfully represented clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Pahrump. For your free case consultation, contact us 24/7 by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.