The Dangers of Parking Lots: 8 Things to Consider
This article will explore key risks and legal considerations associated with parking lots, including premises liability laws and insurance coverage.
6 Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents are more common than you might think, with nearly 4,000 fatal drowning accidents yearly in the United States. Pool accidents also result in an additional 8,000 nonfatal drownings each year.
How to Keep a Child From Falling In a Pool
The best way to keep a child safe from falling in a pool is to enforce safety around the water until they’re old enough to keep the habits with less intervention — this means modeling safe behaviors and avoiding unsafe conditions wherever possible.
How Common Are Pool Accidents? 10 Quick Facts
With summer now in full swing, here are some quick facts about pool accidents and information that may help prevent them from happening to you or a loved one.
10 Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations To Abide By
As fun as it is to spend the summer by the pool, following swimming pool rules and regulations is essential to ensure that everyone stays safe. The pool can be as dangerous as it is fun. But by following your local pool’s guidelines, you’ll ensure the safest possible swimming and splashing experience to make your hot summer that much cooler. Keep reading to learn about the most crucial swimming pool rules and regulations you should follow to keep yourself safe while swimming or lounging by the pool. Don’t Run. It’s dangerous to run around a swimming pool because you could slip and fall. You could severely injure yourself, whether you land on the slippery concrete around the pool or in the pool itself. The concrete will hurt and could result in a break or fracture. If you land in the pool, you risk falling to the bottom and hitting your head, which could lead to a concussion or traumatic brain injury. There’s no guarantee that you won’t slip and fall when you’re at the pool, but you’ll significantly reduce the risk of getting injured by not running. Don’t Dive. Unless the pool is deep enough to dive safely (at least 8 feet deep), you should steer clear of the diving board. This is especially true when there’s no lifeguard on duty. You should never dive without a lifeguard on duty, even if the pool is deep enough. Should you get hurt diving, every second counts to prevent you from drowning. If you are by yourself with no one to help you, the worst-case scenario is unfortunately likely. Supervise Your Kids. Even after teaching your children about swimming pool rules and regulations, you’ll still want to monitor their behavior around the pool closely. It’s easy to get excited and forget about the rules when you are having fun. It’s super important to keep your children away from the pool’s edge and off the diving board. Reminding them to walk instead of run might be the most challenging part, though! Put Swim-proof Diapers on Toddlers. The last thing you want is a soiled diaper contaminating the swimming pool. Many pools ban toddlers in diapers for that very reason. If your pool doesn’t, just be sure to put a swim-proof diaper on your toddler to keep the pool clean. Your friends and neighbors will appreciate you! Limit the Number of Swimmers in the Pool. If you see a sign at your pool that says “Max # of guests”, it’s important to respect that. The limit is generally for safety reasons. If too many people are in or around the pool at once, it could be difficult to evacuate in the event of an emergency. It could also be difficult for a lifeguard to keep up with everyone and get to a swimmer in trouble on time. Limit How Many Guests each Resident can Bring. Most community pools require advanced notice if you’re going to have a large pool party. They’ll close off the pool during that time. During regular pool hours, when the pool isn’t reserved for special events, each resident is usually restricted in regards to how many people they can bring with them to the pool. This restriction is for safety reasons to prevent the pool from becoming overcrowded. Keep Animals Out of the Pool. Dogs are the most common animals to bring with you to the pool, but it’s not a good idea. While most dogs can swim, it’s not sanitary for a dog to swim with other pool-goers. Long-haired dogs can clog the pool filter, causing the pool to shut down to residents until maintenance can unclog and restore the pool to normal, clean function. What about having your dog stay poolside? Even that isn’t the best idea since other pool-goers might be allergic to dogs. Don’t Bring Glass Bottles to the Pool. Bringing a beverage to the pool is a great way to savor the moment and enjoy yourself. But we don’t recommend bringing a glass bottle to the pool. If your beverage comes in a glass bottle or container, transfer it to a plastic or metal container.Why?Because glass bottles easily break if they’re dropped, and the last thing anyone wants is to cut their bare feet on the broken glass. The #1 place for bare feet everywhere? The pool. Obey the Lifeguard. We can’t express how important it is to obey the lifeguard. You might think you know more than the lifeguard – and you might – but it’s your responsibility to obey the lifeguard on duty. They know the swimming pool rules and regulations, as well as information specific to your pool. If you disobey the lifeguard, it might encourage others to do the same, which could be deadly if someone is in trouble. That’s the last thing anyone wants, so keep things simple by obeying the lifeguard at your pool. Use Pool Safety Equipment. Learning about your pool’s safety equipment is a great way to be extra cautious at the pool. If you’re not familiar with the safety equipment at your pool, ask the lifeguard to teach you about each piece of equipment. Unless they’re super busy, they’ll be happy to educate you on pool safety. Following these swimming pool rules and regulations will keep you, your family, and your community safe as you enjoy spending the summer by the pool. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Were you injured because swimming pool rules and regulations weren’t followed? Did your injury require medical treatment, cause you to miss work, and result in pain and suffering? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for what you’ve gone through. That’s where we come into the picture. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has been representing injury victims just like you for decades. We offer free case evaluations where we review the details of your case and discuss with you how we can help. To get started, call us at 801.921.8360 or contact us via our website. Flickinger Sutterfield &
How Common are Slip and Fall Accidents?
Did you know that slip and fall accidents are the second-leading cause of injury-related deaths? Slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of many hospital emergency room visits, accounting for over 21% of visits. But why are they so common? What makes people slip and fall that easily? The truth is, it’s not very hard to slip and fall–it’s part of being human. Sometimes you just lose your balance and trip over your own two feet. But sometimes, it’s not your fault. Sometimes you slip and fall because of someone else’s negligence. In today’s blog, we’re discussing the different causes of falls and how we can prevent them. How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents? Most slip and fall accidents are severe enough to require medical treatment and cause the individual to take time off of work. Some falls occur at work and are the leading cause of lost workdays. If you’re lucky, you’ll be uninjured and go about your day. But if you’re not so fortunate, you could end up with a nasty sprain or fracture. Fractures happen to about 5% of all fall victims and are the leading cause of health problems and death from slip and fall accidents. For individuals over 65, approximately 87% of all fractures result from falling. Simply put, slip and fall accidents happen constantly, frequently require medical care, and often result in serious injuries. To examine how common slip and fall accidents are, we need to examine where they happen. This blog is split into four sections: workplace, home, nursing homes, and public places. These are the most common locations for slip and fall accidents. Slip and Fall Accidents in the Workplace Did you know that nearly 40,000 people have died from slipping and falling in a single year? The workplace is a common place for these falls to happen. In recent years, 880 workers have died from falls, and 244,000 suffered bad enough injuries to need time off to recover. Every profession comes with a risk of slipping and falling, but construction workers are most at risk because they frequently work from high heights. Having said that, you don’t need to fall from a high place to suffer a fatal injury. Even though falls are prevalent, they are 100% preventable. Proper training and communication can help employees avoid slip and fall hazards. Some simple tips include: Check for hazards when you walk into a room. Get formal training on equipment before you use it. Set up equipment on level ground. Don’t stand on a ladder on uneven ground, even if it’s just for something quick. Avoid working in inclement weather. Don’t use tools that weren’t designed for the job you’re doing. When using a ladder, make sure it’s locked in place. Never just stand on a ladder. Make sure you have one hand on the ladder at all times. Wear proper shoes. Don’t step on a ladder in heels or open-backed shoes. Try to wear slip-resistant shoes. Slip and Fall Accidents at Home It’s entirely possible to slip and fall on a ladder while you’re doing home improvement projects. Projects like installing siding, gutters, or roofs frequently cause these accidents, which is why it’s best to hire a professional for those types of projects. But ladders aren’t the only cause for slip and fall accidents in the home. Stepping out of the bathtub is another common cause. It’s easy for water from the tub to slosh over the edge. It’s not unheard of to slip while doing yard work, either. If you have tall enough grass, it can be challenging to spot uneven ground. Simply put, slip and fall accidents can happen as easily at home as at work. Slip and Fall Accidents in Nursing Homes It’s very common for nursing home residents to slip and fall. Because age comes with brittle bones and conditions like osteoporosis, residents have to get up and sit down very carefully. They often walk slowly, sometimes with canes or walkers. Some nursing home residents have gait disorders or shuffle their feet instead of taking steps. Depending on their health, a nursing home resident might need help getting around. But nursing homes frequently face the problem of not having enough staff to cover all their residents. Because of this, many residents are left unattended and must fend for themselves. This is the cause of many slip and fall accidents. Slip and Fall Accidents in Public Places Slip and fall accidents in public places happen all the time. Whether you’re grocery shopping, trying on clothes, or shopping for electronics, you run the risk of slipping and falling. But why do slip and fall accidents happen in public places? The following are the most common causes: Wet floors Torn carpets Dimly-lit areas Escalators not working properly There are usually cautionary signs that warn customers when a floor is wet, but sometimes signs are removed prematurely, aren’t seen, or are ignored. Additionally, if it’s hard to see in a dimly-lit area, you might miss a hazard that you’d generally spot. These slip and fall accidents can cause head and body injuries, depending on what part of your body takes the brunt of the fall. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton As you can see, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. It doesn’t take much to get severely injured. But not all slip and fall accidents are your fault. Some of these falls are due to other people being negligent. Take a nursing home, for example. If your loved one fell on their own when they were supposed to have assistance, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and their pain and suffering. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to help you. We’ve represented slip and fall injury victims for over 25 years, and we’re here to guide you through the process, too. We serve clients throughout Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Everything You Need To Know About Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime; knowing what steps to take after your fall is crucial. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the biggest causes of injury in the United States. Examples include a shopper at the local grocery store and slipping on a wet floor, a child falling from damaged playground equipment, or an employee tripping on the uneven sidewalk outside their office building. The injuries caused by these incidents can be anywhere from minimal to catastrophic, including spinal cord or brain injury or even death. Continue reading to learn more about slip, trip, and fall accidents below. Slip and Fall Accidents Cause Injury for All Ages Slip, trip, and fall incidents are a significant public health concern. According to the CDC, 25% of adults aged 65 and older will fall in the United States. Nearly 36 million falls are reported annually among older adults, resulting in over 32,000 deaths. However, slip, and falls do not only affect those older in age. Slip and fall accidents are the number one cause for non-fatal injuries to occur in almost every age group (minus those aged 10-24, where it is second). 4 Steps to Take After Slip and Fall Accidents The steps you take after a slip and fall accident are crucial. Here’s what we recommend: Take Care of Yourself — What you do in the moments right after your fall could be incredibly important. Your number one priority needs to be your health and overall wellbeing. If you do need medical care, you’ll need to determine whether you need emergency services or if you can make your way to urgent care facilities on your own. Remember that injuries from these types of accidents may not appear serious or concerning at first, but they can suddenly worsen with time. Promptly seeking medical treatment is the safest, best plan. Insurance companies could refuse to pay and suggest your situation was not “serious” if you delay medical care. Inform Whoever Needs to Know — As soon as your situation allows, report your accident to the property or business owner or a senior management person. If the accident occurs on public property, report the accident to the proper governmental agency. Neglecting to do this promptly does not always mean that you’re out of luck; however, insurance companies or juries may negatively interpret a delay in reporting the incident. Gather Necessary Information and Evidence — It’s understandable to want to make a swift exit after a fall; however, if you do not need emergent care, taking some time to gather important information and evidence is wise. Take a moment to take photos of where you fell and what caused you to tumble. Gather evidence of anything you feel might have contributed to your accident. Talk to witnesses and gather a brief statement and their contact information. Contact a Knowledgeable and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer — Before moving forward, seek the advice and representation of a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer. This process can be overwhelming, confusing, and stressful. But finding a trusted lawyer to be on your side will make things easier and help guide you to a fair settlement. Contact Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton for Your Slip and Fall Accidents For effective legal help concerning slip and fall accidents, contact the office of Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton. For over 25 years, our legal team has been representing injured victims throughout Utah, including Orem, South Jordan, and more, and we are here to help you decide the best course of action. Contact us to request your free case evaluation today.
Slip and Fall
Slip and Fall Accidents Can Have Lifelong Effects A fall can result in serious debilitating injuries that can compromise your quality of life and cause financial and emotional strain. So how do you know if you have a personal injury case after a slip and fall accident? LAWYERS FOR SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS How to Determine If Third-Party Negligence Caused Your Injuries Was the Property Unsafe? For a property owner to be liable for your slip and fall accident, there must have been an unsafe condition that caused your fall. Was the Owner Aware of the Danger? If the property owner was not aware of the dangerous condition, they cannot be held liable for your injuries. The owner is allowed a reasonable amount of time to discover unsafe conditions. Was There a Posted Warning? If a property owner cannot immediately resolve an unsafe condition, they are required to post a warning of the danger, such as a wet floor sign. Did You Take Reasonable Care? In general, property owners are not held responsible for injuries if the dangerous condition was open and obvious. You are expected to use reasonable care to prevent your own injuries. Contact an Attorney The best way to figure out whether you have a case is to speak to a personal injury attorney. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, serving clients throughout Utah, we offer free case evaluations to help you decide the right course of action. Secure Injury Compensation With the Help of a Slip and Fall Lawyer Slip and fall incidents prompt more emergency room visits than any other type of accident, and are a leading cause of severe injury and accidental death in the U.S.* Have you suffered a fall that may have been caused by someone else’s negligence? An experienced slip and fall lawyer with our practice can offer valuable guidance and legal representation to help you and your family. The personal injury firm of Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks protects victims and will fight for your right to recover full damages for injury or wrongful death. Some slip and fall victims feel hesitant to make a claim against a known person or business, but it’s important to realize the claim is actually against an insurance company. Property owners carry liability insurance for a reason and understand an injured visitor’s need for reimbursement. Our firm offers a free consultation for accident victims, so please contact our office today to set up an appointment with an attorney. In slip and fall cases, our attorneys work quickly to secure the necessary evidence establishing liability. About Slip and Fall Injuries Slip and fall injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere. Examples include a grocery store shopper who slips on a wet floor, a child falling off a broken playground apparatus, or a visitor to an office building who trips on ripped carpet at the top of a staircase. These types of accidents can cause injuries ranging from very minor to catastrophic, including traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Legal Considerations: Premises Liability Premises liability laws hold property owners responsible for dangerous conditions existing on their property. These can be conditions they created or failed to correct. Especially when a safety hazard has been longstanding, the law expects a property owner to take steps to prevent a potential accident. Apartment or commercial building landlords can be held liable for tenant injuries, and if an injury occurs on a public venue, a premises liability defendant may be the state or federal government. Dangerous conditions can include unsafe parking areas, defects in flooring, outdoor sidewalks, staircase railings, amusement park equipment, or even an open hole in the ground. When a hazardous condition cannot be reasonably corrected, the property owner is responsible for posting clear warnings to visitors. Property liability laws protect anyone on public premises, called “licensees,” as well as those invited into a private home. Even trespassers have successfully asserted a legal right to expect a warning for an obvious safety hazard encountered on public or private premises. In slip and fall cases, our attorneys work quickly to secure the necessary evidence establishing liability. Damages and losses stemming from a severe injury can be extensive, impacting the victim and family well into the future. Thorough investigative work and damage assessment allow us to negotiate your claim from a position of strength. We handle insurance adjusters for you, and if necessary, will aggressively argue the facts of your case in court. Contact Us The Utah statute of limitations for a slip and fall case is generally four years, but may be shorter in some cases. For effective legal help, please contact the office of Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today to set up a free consultation. Our practice is client-centered and family friendly, with Spanish-speaking attorneys available upon request. * Citing Center for Disease Control 2013 statistics
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents on Stairs Can Cause Major Injuries
We expect to be safe when we visit a business, yet accidents can happen wherever you go. Those in Provo who were injured while visiting a business establishment can work with an experienced slip and fall lawyer from our law firm, receiving expert legal counsel about premises liability issues. Many severe injuries occur while people are ascending or descending the stairs. Let’s consider why that is and what your legal options are in such incidents. Injuries on Stairways Can Be Severe When people fall down stairs, there’s a great likelihood of serious injuries. This is especially true of violent falls down stairs of major tumbles. Head injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other types of severe harm may occur. If the victim is elderly, the extent and nature of the injuries could be more severe. When these kinds of accidents occur, it of the utmost importance that negligent property owners be held accountable for their actions. Causes of Stairway Slips, Trips, and Falls There are many potential causes of falls on stairs. Some of the most common reasons these accidents occur include: Broken Steps – When steps are broken in some fashion, it’s possible for people to slip on loose tile or materials, or to simply lose their footing while they are ascending or descending the stairs. Uneven Steps – Uneven steps can throw off people’s balance. When a stair is slanted or when the height or distance between steps varies, people can misstep and fall. Wet or Slippery Surfaces – When liquid or other slippery items are on stairs, there’s a much greater likelihood of people slipping while they are on them. This is an especially important concern for steps that are exposed to the elements. Rain, snow, and other sources of moisture can lead to major hazards. Objects on Stairs or Landings – When a foreign object is on the stairs, it can make slips and trips more likely. This could be a discarded bottle, a ball or rock, or even just a plastic or paper wrapper. Lack of Banisters/Handrails – Banisters are crucial for the safe ascent and descent of stairs. When banisters are not present, people can lose balance and fall. In many cases, a banister can prevent someone from falling. Poor Lighting – When stairways are nor properly lit, it can be difficult to notice slipping hazards or to gauge where the next step is. There should be proper lighting available in all stairways and stairwells. How Property Owners Can Improve Safety on Stairs Property owners can keep visitors and customers safe by using common sense with regard to stairways and staircases. Banisters and guardrails should be in place so people can maintain their balance. Proper lighting should be in place, the the stairs themselves should be maintained and cleaned regularly. In the event of a dangerous condition, access to the stairs ought to be restricted until they are safe. How Premises Liability Attorneys Can Help You When a loved one is injured at a business or property, it’s crucial to have skilled attorneys on your side. A premises liability lawyer can help guide you through the legal process, offering expert counsel when it comes to injury laws and premises liability laws. We will fight on your behalf to help collect damages from injuries you’ve sustained and hardships related to your injuries. Contact the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious slip, trip, or all, be sure to contact our injury and accident lawyers today. Our attorneys will help you in your time of legal need.
Poor Lighting Can Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere, from the highways and city streets to your local grocery store. When injuries occur at places of business, it’s important to consider filing a premises liability lawsuit. A Provo slip and fall lawyer at our firm can help you negotiate the legal process. Slips, trips, and falls are common injuries at places of business. While these are often associated with liquids and tripping hazards, they can also be caused by poor lighting. Problems Caused by Poor Lighting Whenever part of a business is poorly lit, it presents a number of serious risks to safety, both for employees and for people who visit the premises. Low light situations, broken lights, and outright darkness in parts of a business increase the risk of trips, falls, slips, and other kids of serious accidents occurring. The bottom line is that adequate lighting needs to be in place at a business at all times. This is just a common sense way of going about things at a business. Not Seeing Hazards in Hallways and Walkways One of the major dangers of poor lighting is that hazards in hallways and walkways may not be visible. This may be objects in the way, such as products and supplies, or it may be tripping hazards, such a power cords, snags in the carpet or rug, and so forth. Difficulty Seeing Slipping Hazards Liquids and other items or objects that can lead to slips and falls are another hazard that may be obscured due to poor lighting or low-light situations. When this happens, the chances of a serious injury are likely. Even just a little bit of moisture on a slick surface can increase the dangers of a property. Major Dangers in Stairwells and Stairways When lighting is poor in stairways and stairwells, the dangers are increased immensely. Even if there are banisters in place, the inability to see steps increases the risk of a slip or fall occurring. These dangers are increased if there are possible slipping hazards or tripping hazards. Property Owners Should Address Light Problems ASAP Whenever there’s an issue with the lighting at a property, it’s of the utmost importance that these problems be addressed as soon as possible. Change light bulbs or having the light fixtures/wiring fixed will ensure the safety of a property. If the issue cannot be addressed in a timely manner, it’s important that alternate lighting be used or that people be restricted from the hazardous area. When property owners fail to maintain a safe and well-lit environment and an accident occurs as a result of this negligence, it’s important that these property owners be taken to task for their actions. How Premises Liability Lawyers Can Help You Premises liability lawsuits can be complicated given the nature of some cases the the laws in Utah regarding safety at a property or place of business. Yet filing a lawsuit may be essential in order to receive damages for injuries and to prevent future incidents like the one that led to your injury. By working with an experienced premises liability attorney, you will be able to receive expert legal counsel while you focus on recovering from injuries and moving forward with life. Contact the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton For more information about your legal rights and options following a slip, trip, or fall accident, be sure to contact our team of experienced injury attorneys today. The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to offer strong legal counsel.
Wet Floors Mean Watch Out: Slip and Fall Accidents
When there is a wet floor at any kind of business or establishment that accepts visitors/customers, it’s of the utmost importance that the issue be taken care of immediately. When the floor remains wet at a place of business, this can pose a serious slipping hazard to people on the premises. Major injuries can occur from slips and falls due to wet floors, particularly if the floors are near stairs or ledges. People have been known to break bones, tear muscles, and even suffer from head trauma and brain injuries because of these kinds of accidents. That’s why the legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton takes these matters seriously, helping the injured and their loved ones in the greater Provo area with premises liability lawsuits that hold negligent property owners accountable. Potential Causes of Wet Floors Some potential causes of wet floors may include the following: Broken Items – If the establishment has beverages in containers or other kinds of liquids, a broken container can lead to liquid being all over the floor. This is especially worth noting in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other kinds of shops. Accidental Spills – People may accidentally spill items at a premises, resulting in hazardous conditions. This includes fallen food and beverages at restaurants, spilled drinks at bars and lounges, and so forth. Mopping and Cleaning – Mopping floors is part of regular upkeep and keeping your business looking its cleanest. When people mop an area, the residual liquid left behind can lead to a serious slipping hazard. Moisture from Outdoors – Rain and snow don’t always stay outside. People may bring in that outdoor moisture on their shoes, their umbrellas, and their coats. This is especially important to consider during long stretches of inclement weather. Leaking Pipes – When pipes leak, water can get into places you don’t want. It can do damage in floors, ceilings, and walls, and it can also leave dangerous puddles on the ground that can harm people. How Businesses Can Protect Visitors/Customers Businesses should be attentive to any kind of moisture that’s been tracked onto the premises or any potential hazards on the premises itself. Employees should keep their eyes open with regard to any spills or liquid at the business. If they see any puddles or liquid, they should address this immediately. Placing a “Wet Floor” sign where the liquid stands can prevent a number of serious injuries. When rain or snow poses hazards, your best bet for business and property owners is to lay down absorbent mats at entrances to soak up the majority of the moisture people may bring in. Having umbrella bags available or an umbrella basket is also helpful for preventing serious harm from befalling people. It’s also a good idea for employees to periodically dry mop the premises to remove any potentially harmful liquid from shoes and that may have dripped off of coats. How Our Attorneys Can Help You When businesses fail to do the above or take other reasonable steps to prevent serious bodily harm affecting people at a premises, it’s important to speak with a skilled attorney about your case. We can help you obtain just compensation for serious harm and major injuries, holding negligent parties accountable for their poor choice of actions. Speak with the Lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton To learn more about your legal options following a serious slip or fall accident, it’s important that you contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton will help you seek justice in your time of legal need.