Slip and Falls in the Winter

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Slip and Fall Accidents

Winter conditions make functioning daily more dangerous. Slips and falls are one of the most common accidents and they can result in a variety of injuries from scrapes and bruises to breaks and fractures. What is important in a lawsuit following a slip and fall is negligence on behalf of the property owner. This can be a business, private property, or public government property that you fall on.

What Is Negligence

Negligence is when a person could have done something about a situation, failed to do so, and a person got injured because of that failure. A couple examples of negligence are:

• A driver going significantly over the speed limit and gets in a car accident;
• An accidental overdose of medicine administered by a health provider; and
• A business not mopping up a spill and someone falls.

Surfaces became slicker during winter. Snow and ice can accumulate and ice can be hidden under both, so it is important that property and business owners put an effort in to make walkways safe. Efforts that can be made are removing snow and eliminating ice with rock salt.

A problem with slip and fall cases is that, in some cases, the victim can be seen as partially responsible and so the final settlement or lawsuit award amount could be less than what it would they had no responsiblity. Here are some tips for keeping safe on foot during the winter:

Avoid questionable areas: If a walkway looks too slippery, it probably is, and you are best finding an alternate route. Remember that ice can be hidden under snow or it can blend into the pavement.

Choose the right gear: Wear shoes that are made for trekking in winter conditions. Not only will snow boots keep your feet warm and dry, but most have soles that will help prevent slipping. They may not be the most stylish, but they will be your best shoe investment yet.

Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings. If you do find yourself on slippery footing, walk slowly and take mindful steps. Avoid using your cell phone while walking; it is easy to see that you were texting and not being aware when you fell.

Contact an Orland Park, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Falls can cause broken bones, herniated disks, and head trauma. You deserve compensation for injuries caused by a property owner's negligence in maintaining their walkways. An experienced Illinois personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of holding others accountable for negligence during the winter months.  Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 708-966-2408.

Source: https://americanbonehealth.org/fall-prevention/tips-to-prevent-falls-during-winter-months/