Winter is back in the northern Midwest, and poor walking and driving conditions often come with it. Several snowfalls and icy roads have already caused dozens of car accidents across the state of Ohio. Collisions in winter weather are often minor, but accidents for people on foot almost always cause some sort of injury.

Slips and falls on the ice or other slippery surfaces can cause minor sprains and bruises. But they also can result in serious neck, back or spinal injuries, as well as broken bones and traumatic brain injury. This is why it is imperative that property owners and managers keep public surfaces clear of snow, ice and excess water.

A Columbus chiropractor offers some wisdom on how to reduce injuries if a fall seems unavoidable. The medical professional reports “strains in the back or hits to the wrist, elbow [or] shoulder” are common in winter weather. Some injuries may be chronic, causing more pain and complications long after the incident.

If you are already falling, the chiropractor advises trying to avoid falling on your hips or to use the wrist or elbow to catch yourself during the fall. “Best case scenario when you fall, you slide into that fall,” the doctor continued.

Property owners and business managers should light public areas well and salt driveways and sidewalks to melt ice and give traction to passersby. This can help avoid a costly lawsuit for premises liability by stopping a slip-and-fall injury.

If you have suffered a slip-and-fall injury because of a business’ negligence, a lawyer may be recommended to handle settlements, court actions and other legal paths to financial restitution.

Source: ABC 6, “Chiropractor offers tips to prevent slip and fall injuries on the ice,” Bryant Maddrick, Jan. 11, 2018