How Fall Weather Increases the Risk of Slip and Fall Accidents
Fall weather comes with slip and fall hazards that have the potential to cause accidents. Contacting a slip and fall lawyer from Philly Slip and Fall Guys helps determine who is liable for your slip and fall. Here are several ways fall weather increases the risk of slip and fall accidents:
Rain
Rain creates wet surfaces on sidewalks, stairs, and indoors. The rain turns the sidewalks a darker color, making cracks on the sidewalk harder to see. Walking in heavy rain makes it harder to notice obstructions, increasing the risk of tripping over them.
Wet stairs and metal ladders form hazardous wet surfaces. Slip and fall accidents occur when an individual loses traction on a surface. Slipping on the stairs or on a ladder potentially means falling from a greater height, resulting in more serious injuries. Even if the ladder was stored indoors, wet shoes on a ladder can make the metal rungs slippery.
Indoor surfaces such as uncarpeted hotel and apartment lobbies and halls become slippery after a rainstorm as people walk in with wet shoes and clothes. Puddles can form on store floors, and damp elevator floors become another hazard. Placing an absorbent mat near the entryways can help prevent slip and fall accidents.
Pay attention to the ground after a rainstorm to lower the risk of falling on a wet sidewalk. Wipe down ladders and your shoes before climbing them, and hold on to the stair rail when ascending or descending. If a mat is available, thoroughly wipe off your shoes before entering a building.
Fallen Leaves
Wet fallen leaves create a unique fall hazard, as they can make a surface more slippery. Fallen leaves can also hide hazards such as cracks, debris, and potholes on a road or sidewalk. Potential fall injuries range from bruises to broken bones to spinal cord injuries.
Property owners are responsible for keeping the part of the sidewalk closest to their property safe for pedestrians. Raking leaves is a way to help prevent fall accidents. If you have experienced a slip and fall injury, contact a slip and fall lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys. We have lawyers who are experienced in premises liability. When you come in for your free consultation, we will review your case to see if you are eligible for compensation.
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule means that even if you are partially at fault for a fall, you may be entitled to compensation. A court assigns the percentage you are at fault. This percentage is then applied to your compensation. Potential compensation includes coverage for lost wages, medical bills, and the pain and suffering experienced as a result of your injuries.
Snow and Ice
As the autumn season approaches winter, snow and ice appear and present additional hazardous conditions for sidewalks, walkways, and parking lots. Black ice blends into roads and sidewalks, making it harder to spot and avoid. As people track snow and ice inside buildings, it melts, creating wet floors.
Property owners have a responsibility, known as the duty of care, for people who have been invited onto their property. For public buildings such as stores, this invitation is an implied one. Property owners and managers are expected to exercise reasonable precautions to protect patrons and visitors. These include:
- Putting up wet floor signs
- Removing snow from sidewalks and parking lots
- Fixing broken stairs and other hazards
- Keeping the property well-maintained
The Natural Accumulation rule refers to the reasonable length of time it takes for property owners to take care of ice and snow. The length of the storm and the property’s size influence this amount of time. In some slip and fall cases, the company the property owners hired for snow removal may be held liable for the accident.
After a slip and fall, take a picture of the scene and your injuries. Receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. Adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms of more severe injuries. Bring relevant medical documents and evidence to an attorney. This includes medical bills, photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, and prescription receipts.
Our lawyers at Philly Slip and Fall Guys can help you estimate the potential payout amount. We negotiate with the insurance company to help you receive fair compensation. Our attorneys can also take your case to court if the company refuses to negotiate.
Find a Slip and Fall Lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys
We help clients throughout Philadelphia County. Our attorneys are experienced in both slip and trip cases. Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not have to pay any attorney fees until settlement or verdict. If you are looking for a slip and fall lawyer, call Philly Slip and Fall Guys today or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.
