Slip and Fall Accidents and Winter Weather
Slip and fall accidents are extremely common, particularly during the winter months. During the winter the prevalence of snow and ice on sidewalks and streets always leads to an increase in emergency room visits . Slip and fall accidents aren’t only reserved for the outdoors during the winter months. Snow and ice being tracked inside stores and businesses will melt, leaving dangerously slippery puddles right at the entrance of the building. In fact, slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, from a grocery store parking lot to the lobby of an office building, or tripping over a turned up corner of a door mat.
When slip and fall accidents occur, injuries can be much more serious than just a bruised ego. In fact, slip and fall accidents often result in injuries ranging from bruises and lacerations to severe head and neck injuries. Sometimes, fatalities can result after a slip and fall accident. It is always best to contact an attorney for advice if this should happen to you or someone you know.
Although laws vary from state to state, the owner or possessor of a building or land can often be held responsible for slip and fall accidents that occur on the premises. If the owner or possessor of a building or land failed to take appropriate precautions that could have prevented a slip and fall accident, he or she could be held legally responsible for the accident. Conditions that have been known to frequently cause slip and fall accidents include the following: ice and snow accumulation, inadequate outdoor lighting, and poor parking lot maintenance, entrance way hazards such as water, or improper floor mats.
In the case of winter weather, the law typically doesn’t require property owners to remove accumulation outside of their building, as long as the accumulation is a result of the weather. For example, the owner or possessor of the property can be held responsible for slip and fall accidents if conditions on the property, such as a clogged drain on the roof, leads to an unnatural accumulation of the weather. Additionally, if the owner of the property does elect to provide a snow removal service for his property, the service must not be negligent in their removal.
If a slip and fall accident is experienced during the winter months, it can cause great pain and suffering to the victim. In addition, the accident can potentially affect the victim’s ability to work, resulting in a loss of wages. Finally, a slip and fall accident can result in long-term injuries that require years of medical care and associated expenses.
If you have been injured in this type of accident, seek legal aid immediately to ensure that your rights are fully protected. You may be entitled to compensation from the negligent property owner for wages lost and medical expenses incurred as a result of your injuries.