While the first thing that may come to mind when one thinks about injuries suffered due to falls is the elderly, the reality is people of all ages hurt themselves this way. Sometimes these falls are the result of uneven surfaces or poorly maintained sidewalks and parking lots. Other times, substances that make a surface slippery, or the way in which someone walks, are contributing factors.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the shoes that someone wears could make a difference. In general, footwear that is considered typical, such as running shoes or “slip resistant” lace-up shoes, is safest where slip and fall accidents are concerned. Unfortunately, these are not the style of shoes that are currently popular. Styles such as flip-flop sandals, clogs and Crocs which many people chose to wear, both at home and sometimes in the workplace, are not as safe.
While all people walking must contend with the motion between the shoe and the floor, those wearing shoes in which their feet are not snuggly secured, also have to deal with the motion between the foot and the shoe. In a study, during unexpected slips these shoes were found to have larger slip distances and velocities.
Regardless of the shoes someone is wearing, property owners or those occupying the property must maintain the premises and keep it free of obvious hazards. If you, a friend or a family member are victims of someone’s negligence and suffering from injuries and losses, contact us to speak to one of our lawyers to know your rights and what steps you should be taking in order to protect your rights for the future.
