You can take all the precautions you like, such as wearing non-slip shoes, watching your step and keeping your path clear of obstacles, but the fact remains that you are likely to slip, trip or tumble your way to an injury at least once in your life. At the law office of Loughlin FitzGerald, P.C., we know that regardless of fault, you and other Connecticut residents can learn the right way to fall so your resulting injuries may be less severe.
It’s important to know how to properly fall, according to the AARP. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn that falls are the main cause of traumatic brain injury above other accident types. A professional stuntwoman, who makes a living by crashing and falling, offers the following tips for falling with style – or at least a little more safely:
Roll as you fall to soften the impact.
Your instinct will be to tense up as you fall, but try to bend your knees and elbows.
Tuck your chin into your chest if falling backwards, or turn your head to the side to protect your face if falling forward.
Try to land on the meaty muscles of your buttocks, thighs or back, instead of bone.
It can be hard to remember the above tips during the moment you realize you are falling, before you hit the ground. However, if you can be mindful of the ways to properly fall, you stand a better chance of avoiding a head injury or broken bones. As our page on slips and falls explains, you may be eligible for compensation if a negligent property owner contributed to dangerous conditions that caused you to fall.