Winter weather brings snow, ice, and slippery conditions along with a drop in temperature. As a result of these hazardous conditions, slips and falls can result. Depending on the severity of the person’s drop to the ground, minor or major injuries can occur. Thankfully, Mandler & Sieger, LLP can build you a personal injury case if your slip and fall accident happens in a public place. Our Melville personal injury lawyers will gather the necessary evidence of your incident and help you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
The Property Owner’s Duty to Take Care of Winter Weather Hazards
Winter-related slips and falls can occur in commercial areas, such as outside a business or a homeowner’s property. All property owners are required to maintain the safety of their property where the public can reasonably expect to be. The public must exercise reasonable care when walking in an area known to be snowy or icy. Failing to act with reasonable care can result in a failed lawsuit depending on the comparative negligence in the place where the accident occurred. Property owners can be found liable if the following occurs:
- The property owner was required to maintain the property.
- The property owner was aware of the snow or ice.
- Property owner failed to clean up the snow or ice in a timely manner or warn the public about it.
- The snow or ice led to a person’s injuries.
- The person was legally on the property.
Our Melville personal injury lawyers can take your case on if you have been injured in a slip and fall accident.
Recovering From a Slip and Fall Accident With Melville Personal Injury Lawyers
If you slip and fall in a public place, you may be able to recover the cost of your medical treatment by suing the property owner, and in some cases, the contractor, who was responsible for getting rid of snow and ice. You may also be titled to compensation if the extent of your slip and fall injuries caused you to miss work. Our Melville personal injury lawyers can help you with the process.
Documentation of the Accident
After a slip and fall accident occurs, it is advised to document as much information about the scene as possible. Document the location of the accident, the time of the accident, and the weather conditions. Gather the contact information of anyone who may have witnessed the accident or aftermath. It can also be helpful to take photos of the scene. All of this information can be helpful for our Melville personal injury lawyers to build a case.
Avoiding Winter Slips and Falls With Our Melville Personal Injury Lawyers
Falls occur unexpectedly, but there are some tips to follow that can decrease your risk of falling in the first place. Some of these tips include the following:
- Wear The Proper Footwear – Wear supportive shoes, such as a lightweight pair of boots with good grips. You can also purchase snow grips for the bottom of your shoes.
- Take Your Time Walking – While walking outside in hazardous conditions, pay attention to where you are stepping and walk at a slow pace.
- Use Assistance – Use assistive devices when walking in the snow or ice. When going down the stairs, use the handrails for support, or use a walking device such as a walker or cane to assist you.
- Take Small Steps – To help maintain your gravity, take small, cautious steps in winter weather.
- Stay inside – If you do not need to go anywhere when it is icy or snowy out, stay inside to avoid slip and fall injuries from occurring.
If you do end up slipping on snow or ice, do not try to catch yourself with your arms, as it can lead to more injuries. It is most efficient to take the hit of a fall on your back or bottom. After you have fallen, stay put and wait for someone to help you get up to avoid subsequent falls or in case you are injured.
Contact Our Melville Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident due to winter weather, consider our Melville personal injury lawyers to represent you. Our lawyers at Mandler & Sieger, LLC can collect the evidence of your accident and help you gain the proper compensation. Contact our lawyers today if you would like to file a claim.