Slips and falls can happen anywhere, whether you’re visiting a restaurant, walking the dog, or getting on with work. Although slips and falls can be caused by several things including environmental hazards, the type of footwear you use is significant. If your footwear isn’t suitable for the tasks at hand, you’re more likely to be involved in a slip-and-fall accident. Below, we discuss the features of proper footwear and how they relate to slip and fall prevention.
Having Good Traction
There’s no such thing as 100% slip-proof footwear because the majority of slips take place in wet conditions. However, if you choose suitable footwear with decent tread on them, you’ll have enough traction to avoid slips under normal conditions and they’ll reduce slippage over contaminated surfaces.
Being Fit for Purpose
When you’re selecting footwear, you need to consider the activity you’re going to be doing. For example, if you’re going to be darting around a restaurant for work, you’re not going to wear flimsy shoes with insufficient tread. After all, if you come across an oil spillage, you need to have as much protection as you can against slipping.
Being Comfy
A decent set of footwear is all that stands between your feet and impacts with the floor, which can send shockwaves up your spine. Naturally, this means that having comfy footwear is essential. Not only does comfort prevent foot injuries, a good quality platform and cushioning will allow you to stand on your feet for longer, which may help prevent slips and falls. When searching for suitable footwear, focus on the following attributes:
- Flexibility. If shoes don’t flex in the correct position, it will lead to a condition called Planar Fasciitis.
- Platform stability. A stable midfoot and heel let your footwear work with your stride, which will protect you from pronation.
- Cushion quality. Plenty of cushion under the forefoot and heel will help to prevent injuries from shock.
Fitting the Foot
There is zero point checking everything in this list off when choosing a new pair of footwear, if you’re not going to make sure they fit. If your shoes are too large for your feet, you’re more likely to trip over. If they’re too small, you’ll cause considerable damage to your feet. To make sure you’re getting suitable shoes, it’s a good idea to have a professional measure up your foot.
Being Involved in a Slip or Fall
If you’ve done your part by wearing suitable footwear, then the likelihood of a slip or fall being your fault is slim – unless you’re being reckless or left your shoelaces undone. Therefore, if you’ve been involved in a fall or slip that wasn’t your fault, whether at work or not, a reputable personal injury lawyer can help you claim compensation for damages.
Your best chance of putting in a successful claim is having a personal injury lawyer with a proven track record on your side.
To get started with your personal injury claim, contact us at The Law Offices of Kyle Pieter using the details below.
814 S Church St. Suite 210, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Call now for a free consultation on (615) 806-6561.
