How Winter Weather Increases the Risk of Slip and Fall Accidents
An experienced slip and fall lawyer will represent you when you’ve sustained an accidental injury. Certain areas may see a rise in these types of injury cases during the winter months due to weather conditions and property owner negligence. Here is more information about how slip and fall cases rise during the winter:
Ice and Snow
A slip and fall lawyer handles legal cases caused by ice and snow conditions. Blankets of snow conceal uneven pathways and sheets of ice. Ice forms beneath snow as it melts during the day and freezes again at night. Because ice is clear, it appears as a dark or wet spot on the ground. This type of ice is called black ice, as it is difficult to spot while walking on sidewalks and through parking lots. Black ice is dangerously slippery to both pedestrians and drivers.
Another reason someone slips and falls on snow or ice is that the winter months are a busy time of year. Rushing to a destination to escape the cold temperatures could cause someone to miss the warning signs of ice. One warning sign of freezing temperatures is when snowfall sticks to lamp posts or vehicles.
Slipping and falling on ice can cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), bruises, and fractures. Property owners must provide safe pathways for people to cross by clearing snow and spreading ice melt within a reasonable timeframe. Both public and private properties, such as government buildings and shopping centers, must also follow these guidelines.
Low Visibility
Tripping hazards are disguised by various weather conditions that occur during winter. Snowstorms create low visibility situations with high winds, which is also known as a whiteout. This is when the air becomes cloudy with white snow, making it difficult to judge distances. Winter storms are disorienting as light reflects in all directions and removes ambient shadows.
Another weather condition that affects visibility is smog. Smog occurs when cold air traps pollution in busy cities. The cold air moves more slowly than warm air and prevents the particles from naturally dispersing in the atmosphere. You will know if smog is impacting your area by the smell, as it tends to be quite pungent.
These environmental conditions restrict your ability to see pre-existing hazards like the distance between steps on a staircase. Low visibility can also restrict your reaction time. Suddenly losing your footing may cause you to fall without time to brace yourself with your arms. If you do experience an unexpected fall, we recommend seeing a doctor to keep a record of the extent of your injuries.
Unsecured Floor Mats
Winter floor mats are useful for absorbing moisture while providing enough friction to allow visitors to walk over it safely. If a floor mat is unsecured, it creates a tripping hazard by buckling from frequent use. Floor mats should be secured directly to the floor itself with carpet tape or non-slip carpet pads underneath.
These mats are typically set in high-traffic areas like entrances and check-out lines. Because people repeatedly use these floor mats throughout the day, the mat may shift or become unsecured. Property owners may also install a floor mat that is not suitable for winter weather conditions. Standing water will create slipping hazards on hard surfaces like mats with poor absorption. Property owners need to place signs in areas with wet surfaces or slippery mats.
Slippery Floors and Staircases
Even when floor mats are properly installed, floors can become slippery around them, especially in building entrances. Snow brought into the building will melt. Standing pools of water, no matter the size, are a slip-and-fall hazard. Smooth staircases in malls or parking garages must also be maintained to prevent injuries.
While ice melt prevents ice from forming on pathways, it may also create slush. Slush is partially melted snow or ice. The property owner must address these hazards, as it is their responsibility. Accidental injuries can have long-term consequences, like loss of mobility for the victim.
What To Do if You Have an Injury
If you have an injury due to an accidental slip and fall, we will assist you by handling your legal matters for you as soon as possible. All relevant documents like medical records, professional statements, and photographs are useful when reviewing your claim. This allows you to focus on your recovery while we communicate with the property owner.
Another form of compensation we will seek on your behalf is emotional damages. Emotional damages include emotional distress, losing interest in things you once loved, or actively avoiding public spaces. The amount of compensation you’re eligible for depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Our team of lawyers will seek the most valuable compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
At Philly Slip and Fall Guys, we provide legal services for those injured due to slip and fall accidents. We work on contingency, which means that you will not have to pay upfront costs to retain legal representation. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
