Attorney, Jeffrey T. Jones Offers Tips to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Feb. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- Personal injury attorney Jeffrey T. Jones, founder of the Law Offices of Jeffrey T. Jones, and best-selling author of “Protect and Defend” has posted a new article on his website entitled “Mid-Winter Forecast: Slip and Fall Conditions Worsen. Be Cautious.” Treacherous weather conditions are a good reason to stay huddled up inside with a nice bowl of soup. However, as Jeffrey Jones notes in his recent article, eventually we must go out.

Jones writes, “The winter weather just keeps coming with a vengeance. Conditions for slip and fall accidents worsen with each storm. High winds, freezing temperatures, snow and power outages all add up to perfect conditions for unfortunate slip and fall accidents to happen. So take precautions.”

Writing as an attorney, not a fashion expert, Jones advises, “If you must go out, and we all must whether to go to work, run errands or take the kids to school, be sure to dress appropriately.  Wear non-slip shoes and boots made to negotiate the sleet and snow.  Wear gloves with non-slip grips on the palms.” Recognizing that clothing designed to be protective against the elements could become a hazard, Jones writes, “When going into a place of business from a parking lot or as a pedestrian and if you’re wearing a hooded coat or hat, be particularly alert. Make sure your vision is not obstructed. Watch for and avoid patches of snow.” He adds, “If there are handrails available, use them.”

Jones turns to the National Safety Council for some bone-chilling statistics. He writes, “Slips and falls are the single most common reason for visits to hospital emergency rooms. According to a National Safety Council (NSC) report, nearly 8.9 million people visit hospitals annually due to slip and fall injuries.” He points out that, “Of course, not all of these are attributable to winter weather, however there is an increase in slip and fall accidents during the winter months.  Owners of commercial properties, storeowners and managers are on high alert during winter weather conditions for this very reason.”

“Especially when the weather outside is frightful,” Jones warns, “you must be on high alert indoors too.” He adds, “Wet floors are one of the most common causes of slip and fall accidents. Snow that clings to shoes and coats makes for wet floors.  Sometimes it is difficult to get the floors dried immediately, so look for wet spots and report them to the property owners or managers right away.”

Jones turns his attention to places of business that like to make a rich impression as being places where extra precaution must come into play. He writes, “Some flooring surfaces are more slippery than others when dry. When they are wet they become even more treacherous. Places to be even more alert than usual are establishments with marble or tile floors. Often banks, restaurants and supermarkets are businesses that feature marble, granite or porcelain tile floors. Tread even more carefully when going into these establishments when it’s wet outside.”

Serious Statistics

In the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Jones reports, “unintentional falls account for 19,565 deaths annually in the U.S. “ He further allows that , “The Center estimates that 20% to 30% of people who experience a slip and fall will suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures, or head injuries.  These injuries can inhibit mobility and hamper independent living.  Slip and fall accidents are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) accounting for 46% of fatal falls.”

The entire article can be read here (http://www.jeffreytjones.com/mid-winter-forecast-slip-and...).

About Jeffrey T. Jones

Jeffrey T. Jones has more than 25 years of experience and served as the former President of the West Virginia Association for Justice and is a Personal Injury, Wrongful Death and IRS Tax Attorney in Charleston, West Virginia. He has also been recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in West Virginia. He has appeared in USA TODAY as an Emerging Business Leader to Watch and has been named one of the top 10 lawyers in West Virginia for client satisfaction by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. He represents persons injured or killed in accidents and has written the West Virginia Automobile Accident Injury Guide and a Special Report dealing with car accidents, personal injury and insurance companies.

About the Law Offices of Jeffrey T. Jones

For quality, dependable legal representation, clients throughout West Virginia rely on the Law Offices of Jeffrey T. Jones, PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia. Our office serves clients from Charleston to Huntington, from Beckley to Princeton and as far as Clarksburg. We're strong advocates for those who have been injured by negligence of any kind. Whether you have been injured by a negligent driver or a drunk driver, a defective product, or a doctor or hospital, we can help you recover the financial compensation you are entitled to receive.