Winter Slip And Fall Accidents
Winter Storms Bring More Than Snow — They Bring Serious Slip and Fall Risks
After a major winter storm, icy sidewalks, slushy parking lots, and snow-covered entryways quickly become hidden danger zones. While many people blame winter injuries on “just the weather,” the truth is that property owners often have a legal responsibility to prevent these hazards. Every year, winter storms lead to a sharp increase in slip and fall accidents, many of which could have been prevented with proper maintenance. Below, our friends at KBD Attorneys discuss the increase in slip and fall accidents in the winter.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Spike After Winter Storms
Snow and ice don’t just look messy — they create extremely dangerous walking conditions. Some of the most common winter slip-and-fall hazards include:
- Untreated icy sidewalks
- Snow-packed stairs and walkways
- Slushy store entrances
- Poorly salted parking lots
- Melted snow that refreezes overnight
Even a thin layer of black ice can cause someone to fall without warning, leading to injuries like broken wrists, hip fractures, spinal injuries, and concussions.
When Is a Property Owner Responsible?
Under premises liability law, property owners and businesses must take reasonable steps to keep their property safe. That includes addressing snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time after a storm.
They may be liable if they:
- Fail to shovel or salt walkways
- Ignore known icy patches
- Allow dangerous buildup near entrances
- Don’t warn visitors about slippery conditions
While storms are unavoidable, neglecting cleanup is not. If a property owner knew — or should have known — about the hazard and did nothing, they may be responsible for resulting injuries.
Businesses Have an Even Greater Duty in Winter
Stores, apartment complexes, office buildings, and restaurants invite people onto their property every day. Because of this, they often have a higher duty of care to inspect for hazards and fix them quickly.
Something as simple as failing to put down salt, mats, or warning signs near an icy entrance can lead to a serious injury — and potential legal liability.
What to Do After a Winter Slip and Fall
If you fall due to snow or ice on someone else’s property, taking the right steps can protect your health and your rights:
- Take photos of the icy or snowy condition
- Report the fall to a manager or property owner
- Get medical attention right away
- Keep the shoes and clothing you were wearing
- Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh
Winter conditions change quickly, so documenting the hazard immediately can make a big difference later.
Winter Injuries Aren’t Always “Just Accidents”
Snowstorms may be natural, but unsafe property conditions often are not. When businesses and property owners fail to take basic safety measures, people get hurt. You have rights after a winter slip and fall accident. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer can help you determine whether someone else’s negligence played a role.