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Email UsRegardless of if you live in a location where ice is common, or planning on visiting a winter paradise, you have to use caution. The fact is, slipping and falling on ice can result in serious injuries. In some cases, if a property owner where the accident occurred was negligent in keeping safe and clear walking paths, then you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding what to do next is essential and more information on slip and fall accidents due to ice can be found here.
Liability in Slip and Fall Accidents on Sidewalks and at Store Entrances
Most slip and fall accidents in winter weather occur at the entrance of a business or on public sidewalks. In these cases, liability of who is at fault can be difficult to determine. It is required for all property owners to exercise reasonable care on the premises and ensure things are safe for their guests. This means clearing the sidewalk in front of the store from any ice present. They can shovel the snow away, sprinkle sand or salt on the ground, put up “caution” signs or even hire a company to take care of this issue. If the store or business fails to make an attempt to prevent slip and fall accidents on the slick ground outside, then they may be considered liable for the injuries that occur.
However, it is also important to remember that pedestrians need to exercise reasonable care for their own safety and try to avoid dangerous situations. Acting negligently and recklessly while walking on icy walkways – such as texting on a phone instead of paying attention or running – could may an injury claim invalid. If you happen to slip and fall on ice during an active snowstorm then the liability of the store or property owner can be reduced because the effort that could have been made would be inadequate to prevent a dangerous situation.
Arguments and Evidence Crucial for Slip and Fall Cases Involving Ice
Due to liability of slip and fall cases caused by an icy or snowy walkway or sidewalk being extremely complicated, it is crucial to gather any information and evidence about the accident, as possible. Evidence to acquire include any footage from security cameras, testimonials from people passing by who may have seen the accident, and any medical records associated with the accident that will help to prove your side of the story regarding what happened.
It is also a good idea to document any dangerous conditions present and take pictures of video of what resulted in the slip and fall accidents. This evidence will be even more beneficial when you give it to a personal injury attorney for assistance.
If you or someone in your family has been involved in a slip and fall accident due to the negligence of a store or property owner, then it is best to contact a personal injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases. They can review the information related to your case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for the injuries you suffered.