Trauma surgeons give tip to avoid slip-and-fall accidents

A group of trauma surgeons out of Germany are hoping to help reduce the number of patients they see in their Emergency Departments with this tip: walk like a penguin.

Although the doctor’s advice may seem comical, these doctors base this advice on experience dealing with a series of serious slip-and-fall accidents. As noted in a recent article by Reuters, rescue services in the area have dealt with 750 emergency calls for bone fractures and other injuries over the span of a single month.

How can walking like a penguin reduce the risk of a slip-and-fall accident? It may evoke some pretty funny mental images, but walking like a penguin can reduce the risk of a serious slip-and-fall accident.

The surgeons go on to explain that this tip is supported by physics and biomechanics. When walking with a normal posture, body weight is divided fairly equally between both legs. This can lead to an increased risk of a fall. When walking like a penguin, the human torso leans forward a bit, shifting the center of gravity and putting the weight primarily on the front foot, reducing the risk of a fall.

What about victims of slip-and-fall accidents? Although Tennessee is not a state that often experiences serious snow storms that result in ice related slip-and-fall cases, such storms are not uncommon. In fact, this January roadways, schools, businesses and even government offices were closed due to a major winter storm.

If these conditions are not handled properly, people can suffer serious injuries. Those that suffer an injury because a business or property owner failed to properly maintain property can hold the property owner liable through a premises liability suit. This can result in monetary awards to help cover the costs associated with the injury.

Whether injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to ice or other slippery surface, it is wise to contact an experienced slip-and-fall accident lawyer. Your attorney can review the details of your accident and help build a case that better ensures your interests are protected.