Snow and Ice Accidents
Freezing temperatures and snowfall have enveloped the country this winter, resulting in serious injuries from slip and fall accidents on ice and snow. Broken bones, head trauma, spinal and neck injuries, and serious cuts and lacerations are commonly seen in emergency rooms during cold weather conditions.
Victims of slip and fall accidents are often able to hold negligent property owners liable for their injuries, but there are stipulations for proving that the property owner’s negligence was directly responsible for those injuries. When frigid temperatures and snow occur, property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their properties are free from unnecessary hazards.
Property Owner Responsibilities
Residential, commercial, and retail property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and steps surrounding their establishments, especially in frigid temperatures and snowy weather conditions. Those who fail to clear snow in a reasonable amount of time following a storm, or who neglect to throw salt, dirt, or another form of abrasive substance on icy areas put the public at risk for serious injuries.
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be eligible for compensation through a premises liability or personal injury lawsuit. The burden of proof falls on the injured victim to prove that the owner’s negligence directly caused the accident. This is not always easy and hard evidence is needed to prove negligence.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents in Ice and Snow
Slip and fall accidents in ice and snow conditions can be significantly reduced when property owners take the following precautions:
- Clear snow from sidewalks, doorways, steps, and walkways in a reasonable amount of time following a storm.
- Lay salt, sand, or another form of abrasive substance on icy surfaces to increase friction.
- Remove snow and ice from overhangs and cars so that the snow that melts does not refreeze on ground surfaces at night.
- Ensure proper and adequate lighting in parking lots, sidewalks, and entry ways.
- Lay non-slip area rugs on floors on both sides of a doorway to prevent slip and falls on wet surfaces.
- Post warning signs on wet and slippery surfaces.
- Inspect and repair any loose handrails on stairways.
- Clear any wet leaves or debris from access areas.
If you have been a victim of a slip and fall accident, be sure to report the incident to the property owner or management as soon as possible. Take pictures of the area to show the conditions present at the time of your fall. Seek medical attention when necessary and save all receipts and test results related to the accident. Contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible to see if you qualify for compensation related to your accident.
Highland Park Slip and Fall Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Injured Victims Claim Compensation
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, call the Highland Park slip and fall lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Our Highland Park, New Jersey offices serve clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
