Winter safety tips from your Oldham personal injury solicitor

Slips, trips and falls are the most common types of accident in life generally and, thankfully, the consequences of many falls on snow or ice are simply minor bumps and bruises.

In previous years however, thousands of people have been admitted to hospital after suffering more serious injuries after falls during wintry weather. Figures from the Hospital Episode Statistics for England show there were 4,314 admissions to hospital in 2011/12 as a result of people falling over on snow or ice.

The consequences of a fall can be more serious for older people.

Winter safety tips during times when pavements and footpaths are covered in snow and ice:

• Wear sturdy footwear, with a good grip
• If you’ve got Nordic walking poles (or similar), use them
• Take it slowly
• Allow yourself extra time to get from A to B, so you don’t find yourself having to make a last minute dash to get to the bus etc.
• Keep an eye on what is underfoot. Some places will remain icy for longer than others (e.g. places that do not get the sun)
• If you have neighbours who are elderly/disabled/new mums etc. offer to pop to the shops for them
• If councils have provided grit bins so people can treat public areas not included on the usual gritter route, use them – but don’t remove vast quantities for your own personal use.
• Remember – as well as slips and trips on pavements and in public places, many people fall over on their own footpaths and driveways. Take care in these places too.

If you unfortunately do find yourself the victim of a slip or fall perhaps because a shopkeeper failed to keep his or her entryway free of ice during the winter then you are entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

Please contact Wrigley Claydon, your Oldham personal injury solicitor, to discuss how we can assist you. Call 0161 785 3534.

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Vijay Srivastava

Partner

Vijay heads up the Litigation and Injury team at Wrigley Claydon, where he has worked for over 35 years, amassing a wealth of experience. Many years ago, Vijay was appointed to the Law Society Personal Injury Solicitor Panel as a specialist in injury claims. This has led him to act in many high value injury claims and medical negligence cases. His experience in and knowledge of procedural matters and the interpretation of medico-legal reports and other expert evidence, combined with his friendly but professional approach, enable Vijay to provide a service to clients we believe is second to none. 
Vijay advises both Corporate and Private clients on cost-effective ways of bringing and defending claims in the Courts. He has successfully acted on numerous high-value contractual claims and many disputed probate cases.

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