Slipping and falling on ice can be a scary experience. Ice can be difficult to see both at night and during the day. What looks like water pooled on the pavement can actually be a sheet of ice. You could step off the curb and right onto a slippery ice patch. You may be able to recover and only skid briefly, but severe injury can occur if you fall to the ground. Potential injuries from falls on ice can include, head injury, ankle strains and twists, and hip or back injuries.
Some ways to mitigate the chance of a falling injury around your home include:
- Keeping parking lots and sidewalks clean and in good repair condition.
- If snow is expected to fall, treat your walkways with ice or sand to inhibit freezing and encourage traction.
- If snow and ice are already present, remove or treat these elements. In some extreme cases, it may be necessary to suspend use of the area.
- Use adhesive striping material or anti-skid paint whenever necessary. This may include an outdoor deck or patio stairs that routinely freeze.
- Install proper lighting in areas with heavy foot traffic to make others aware of hazards and ice.
A slip-and-fall accident can cross over into negligence on the part of a business or homeowner. Here are a few points that will be considered when we decide whether or not you might have a case in a negligence claim related to your injury.
- How long was the hazard present? Had the danger been present long enough for the owner to become aware of the issue?
- Does the owner (or occupant) regularly clean and maintain the premises? Do they have proof?
- If your fall was caused by something placed or left on the ground, was there a reason for the item to be there?
- Could a barrier or warning been created that would have prevented you from falling?
- Did a lack of lighting contribute to your accident?
If you’ve been injured and believe that someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident, we are here and willing to help. The Decker Law Firm has over fifty years of experience, knowledge and plain, old-fashioned dedication to stick by you and fight for your rights. Call the personal injury attorneys of The Decker Law Firm right now at 757-622-3317.