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Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Winter Weather Awareness
Winter weather presents a renewed set of slip-and-fall hazards for the public. Snow, ice, and melted water have all been known to cause serious slip-and-fall accidents leading to significant injuries.
Not every slip-and-fall accident will result in liability on the part of a property owner or in a lawsuit, and your case should be brought expeditiously to a personal injury attorney for evaluation.
Hazards that Appear in Winter
Some causes of slip-and-falls are not dependent on the weather—loose or missing handrails, poor lighting, and unmarked deviations in floor levelness. However, other causes crop up in the winter only, and they include:
- Snow. Property owners and managers are required to keep walkways clear of snow so that foot traffic can safely traverse the area.
- Ice. The business must also clear ice from walkways or take other protective measures such as spreading a de-icer on the path.
- Puddles. Once visitors make it into the business, the snow they have tracked in begins to melt creating another hazard—puddles of water that can cause slips.
How Do I Know if My Accident Could Be a Lawsuit?
Property owners and managers are not required to protect against every possible threat that could cause a slip-and-fall. However, there are known safety standards that must be followed to provide a reasonably safe environment for all visitors.
For example, pooling water should be marked with warning signs, main pathways should be cleared, and the appropriate flooring or walking surface should be used. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), floors and flooring materials contribute directly to more than two million fall injuries annually.
Types of Slip-and-Fall Injuries
The NFSI reports that falls account for more than eight million emergency room trips, which means falls are the leading cause of hospital emergency room visits. Common injuries include:
- Hip fractures;
- Broken bones;
- Concussions;
- Soft tissue damage; and
- Back injuries.
Any one of these injuries could cause months of medical treatment and can interfere with your ability to work, provide for your family, or enjoy life. These damages are compensable under Wisconsin law.
A Milwaukee, WI Slip-and-Fall Lawyer Can Help Your Case
If you have been injured in a wintertime slip-and-fall accident, an attorney will examine your case to see if another party is liable and also advise you as to how you should proceed in order to maximize your claim. For example, an attorney will direct how evidence of your fall should be gathered, using court-ordered discovery if needed. An attorney will also make sure that you are getting proper medical care with qualified providers who will properly document your injuries.
The knowledgeable Milwaukee slip-and-fall accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can be reached at 414-271-1440.
Source:
https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/
