Seasonal Slip & Fall Accidents; Winter Hazards and Legal Tips
Winter weather can create dangerous conditions indoors and outdoors that lead to slip and fall accidents. If you experience an accident due to someone’s negligence during the winter, an experienced slip and fall lawyer will help you obtain fair compensation for medical bills and lost wages. Philly Slip and Fall Guys has experience guiding clients through the legal process after a seasonal slip and fall injury.
Winter Hazards
One of the main winter hazards that may lead to a slip and fall accident is ice on walkways. If you are walking outdoors, slow down on icy roads and sidewalks. Black ice is especially dangerous as it blends in with the surrounding pavement. If it has recently snowed or rained in your area, be cautious when walking and climbing staircases outside. Parking lots are another area where packed snow and ice can accumulate and create a hazard to pedestrians. Home and business owners should carefully salt and plow icy areas that might put visitors at risk of falling.
Wet Floors
Individuals and businesses should take extra precautions to mop up wet floors in the winter. People can track in snow or rain, which accumulates by main entrances and in hallways. Wet floors can cause accidents, as people may lose their balance on the slippery surfaces. Building owners should post warning signs to help visitors avoid dangerous areas. If you have slipped on an unmarked wet floor, you may be entitled to compensation for the property owner’s negligence.
Uneven Surfaces
Rain and snow can obscure uneven surfaces that would have otherwise been visible to pedestrians. Fresh precipitation hides cracks in sidewalks, potholes, and loose debris, which may lead to falls and major or minor injuries. If a home or business owner has not maintained their outdoor property appropriately, visitors and employees may slip on these uneven surfaces. Law firms like Philly Slip and Fall Guys can help accident victims recover damages caused by these slips and falls.
Legal Tips
If you have sustained an injury due to hazardous winter conditions, seek immediate help from an experienced lawyer. Navigating the legal landscape alone after an accident can lead to lower compensation and unsettled claims. Search for a slip and fall lawyer who will help you understand the process of seeking compensation for your physical injuries and financial damages. They will review your case, answer your legal questions, and help you plan your next steps. Philly Slip and Fall Guys has a team of attorneys who will represent your interests in and out of the courtroom after a winter accident.
Document the Accident
Make a detailed record that explains the events that took place leading up to, during, and after the accident. If possible, take pictures of the area where you slipped. Your lawyer can use this information to build an effective claim. You may be eligible for compensation if you have documented evidence that the property owner did not take precautions to keep their premises reasonably safe.
Keep Track of Medical Fees
A slip and fall accident may require you to seek medical assistance due to sprains, cuts, fractures, or other injuries. Bills for surgeries, medications, and physical therapy add up over time to create a financial burden. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses depending on the factors that caused your slip and fall. Keep track of all of your medical bills relating to the accident, as your lawyer may use them to maximize your personal injury settlement.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
The winter season comes with hazards and dangerous conditions such as ice, snow, and uneven surfaces. If you made an effort to carefully navigate these hazardous situations but still fell and sustained injuries like bruises, lacerations, or broken bones, you may be entitled to pursue compensation from the responsible party. If you or a loved one has sustained an injury from a slip and fall accident, contact our legal team at Philly Slip and Fall Guys to learn more about how we can help.
