Common Household Accidents: They Could Happen to You

Every morning when you get out of bed, you’re at risk for an accident.

This claim may seem like hyperbole since most household mishaps are minor, but some accidents occurring in the home are serious. Your spend a lot of time in your home, so you are more at risk for accidents than you think. Additionally, elderly people and children are at higher risk of home accidents, and these minor events can take a greater toll on them than on the average person.

Four Common Household Accidents

The following types of accidents occur most often in the home. It’s important for you to be aware of how to prevent them.

Cuts

Cuts are a common household injury, particularly in the kitchen. A minor cut sustained on a finger while slicing vegetables may not be the end of the world, but it may be more serious than you think. If a knife is not cleaned properly, particularly if it was used to slice meat, it can introduce bacteria into your cut that can lead to a severe infection. Sharp aluminum can lids similarly carry a high risk for infection.

If you receive a cut, wash it thoroughly and apply a disinfectant to ward off infection. If you received a very large or deep cut or if the cut won’t stop bleeding, you may need stitches. Go to the emergency room right away.

Falls

Have you ever struggled to reach something on the highest shelf? Chances are, you grabbed a chair rather than a step stool, the safer option. Falls from chairs can cause broken bones, concussions, lost teeth, and other injuries. At best, you’re likely looking at a bad bruise that may last for a few weeks.

To prevent these falls, don’t stand on anything unstable. Climb a step stool or ladder slowly and with care; don’t be impatient.

Slips

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, following the kitchen. Bathroom floors often get slippery due to run off and precipitation from the sink and shower. Older people in particular are at risk of slipping in the shower. Hitting one’s head is a big concern when it comes to bathroom slips.

To prevent slips, clean up any spill as soon as possible. In households with older people, install a handrail in the shower. There are also mats you can lay on your shower floor that provide more purchase for your foot than the slick shower floor, therefore preventing slips.

Poisoning

Poisoning is a particular risk for children. Many common household products are extremely poisonous if consumed. Bleach, household cleaners, Comet, Drano, and other similar products can kill or cause permanent damage.

Keep dangerous chemicals out of the reach of children. Be sure to read the labels before using a product to know the risks and proper usage.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Sometimes, household injuries are more than just careless accidents. If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer from Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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