Spring will be here before you know it. It always seems as though winter will last forever, and when the temperatures begin to rise, just about everyone here in New Jersey rejoices and celebrates the end of cold days in their own way.
Just because the chance of snow is gone, it doesn’t mean that the weather still can’t put you in danger as you walk through your apartment complex, or into a store or work. Rainy weather can present its own set of risks. Wet surfaces may not seem as hazardous as the snow, ice and slush you dealt with during the winter, but they can be.
Pitfalls of rainy days
Slips and falls can interrupt your life due to the severity of the injuries you could suffer. As you shed your winter coat and look forward to better weather, you still need to remain vigilant and watch for the following dangers that come with spring rain:
- Uneven floors and other walking surfaces can become slippery and hold water.
- Rain can make walking surfaces and any debris on them wet and slippery.
- Rain can mix with oils, grease and other substances on surfaces of parking lots, sidewalks, stairs and floors, which make them even more dangerous.
- In your haste to get out of the rain, you could lose your balance, trip over your own feet or miss an obstacle because you aren’t paying attention or can’t see due to the weather.
- You need to be aware of your footwear during the rain since it may not provide you the traction you need on wet surfaces.
Any of these circumstances could cause you to slip and fall, but you can take steps to increase your safety.
Protecting yourself on rainy days
Taking proactive steps to keep yourself safe on rainy days could save you from experiencing injuries. When you can’t avoid being out in the rain, consider doing the following to remain safe:
- Remember to pay attention, stay focused and remain alert regarding your surroundings.
- Use the handrails when going up and down stairs, especially outdoors.
- Even if the rain recently stopped, don’t pull out your phone because the danger hasn’t passed. The surfaces remain wet and hazardous.
- When you enter a building, use the mat to get as much water and other substances off your shoes. If no mat is available, walk carefully in order to avoid slipping and falling.
- Wear the appropriate shoes in wet weather if you can.
- Avoid carrying heavy objects, especially if you can’t see over them.
Even if you do everything you can to remain upright as you walk in the rain or on surfaces recently rained on, you could still end up falling. If you suffer serious injuries as a result, the owner of the premises could bear legal liability. It may be worth your time and effort to explore the possibility of pursuing compensation to help with the financial losses you incurred due to medical expenses, lost wages and more.