Slip and fall accidents that occur inside the home are responsible for over 100,000 emergency department visits each year in Ontario! Out of these 100,000 emergency visits, 20% require a hospital admission, which in turn costs the province 1 billion in direct costs. Of course, these numbers aren’t meant to lay blame on anyone, but to show the severity and importance of preventing slip and fall accidents inside the home. If you are injured in a rental, you may be eligible for compensation depending on the circumstances.

A personal injury lawyer can help you make the best of a bad situation by helping you receive proper compensation to facilitate your recovery. This blog post discusses the different tips to help you minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents!

1. Make An Effort To Stay Physically Fit

The older you get, the more your physical condition impacts your life. Staying physically fit is the best way to improve your balance and flexibility. A mere 20 minutes of exercise a day can do wonders for your health and wellbeing. If you have medical limitations that prevent you from exercising, all you need to do is as much as you can. A simple walk around the block or 15 minutes of stretching each day can significantly improve your balance and flexibility. Lots of slip and fall accidents can easily be avoided by being in better shape. It’s also easier to recover from an accident if your body is in good shape.

2. Keep Your Bathroom Clean To Minimize Safety Hazards

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in any house. There are many hazards and hard surfaces that can cause severe accidents. Make a concentrated effort to clean up any spilled water that makes it easy to slip. Be aware of condensation in your tub that might make the surface slippery as you enter. A little extra caution in the bathroom helps minimize your risk of an accident.

3. Minimize The Amount Of Obstacles In Your Home

Obstacles are often the cause of easily avoidable accidents. If you have lots of electronic devices, invest in clips to keep wires and extension cords out of the way. You shouldn’t have any cords running over walking paths in your home. Also make an effort to keep the floor clear of clothes, shoes, and toys to minimize your risk of an accident.

4. Invest In Making Your Home Safe

It’s worth your time and money to get some items in your home to help increase safety. In your bathroom, you should invest in mats with a nonslip surface that securely attaches to the bathroom floor. You should also invest in a safety bar to help you get in and out of the shower without having to perform a balancing act.

Additionally, if you have carpets in your living room, they need a non-skid backing to prevent sliding anytime someone steps on them. It’s also a good idea to invest in good lighting which makes it’s easy to see obstacles around your home. Simple preventative actions like these prevent situations where you would need to call a personal injury lawyer.

All in all, slip and fall accidents are easily avoidable with a bit of due diligence. If an accident occurs through no fault of your own in a property you do not own, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawyers can help educate you on your rights and build a case to ensure you’re properly compensated. Remember to do your part in preventing slip and fall accidents around the home!