What to Know if you Slip and Fall this Winter

Slip and fall accidents can happen at any time of year, but winter weather can make it especially difficult to stay on your feet. If you are lucky, you may be able to pick yourself up and laugh it off, but in many cases, what seems like a mundane event can have painful and expensive consequences.

It is important to know that homeowners, business owners, and government entities have an obligation to prevent such injuries to visitors. In the winter, this includes snow and ice removal. If you are injured due to the negligence of a property owner or occupier, the slip and fall lawyers at Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers can calculate the value of your case and determine the best way to recover damages.

What Should I Do if I Slip and Fall on Ice or Snow?

Assess your Injuries

Your first instinct after a fall is often to scramble and try to get up, but take a moment to notice where you have pain or if you have other symptoms before trying to move. If you are dizzy, in severe pain, or think you may have broken bones, do not try to get up. Ask a witness or passerby for assistance in calling for emergency medical help, if needed. If you do not need emergency medical attention, make sure to visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible after the accident for a medical assessment and proper treatment of your injuries.

Document the Incident

The next step is to document as many details of the incident as possible:

• Take pictures of the site of the accident, including any snow, ice, or other hazards that contributed to your fall.
• Collect contact information from witnesses.
• Record the date, time, weather, and location of the incident, along with any other details you remember about what happened.

Report the Incident to the Property Owner

Reporting the incident to the property or business owner is an important part of recovering damages. Make an incident report with the store manager, property manager, or whomever is responsible for the property. Get a copy of this report for your records.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Weather-Related Slip and Fall Accident?

It is likely in your best interest to seek the counsel of Findlay Personal Injury Lawyers after a slip and fall on ice or snow for several reasons:

• These cases can be complex, involving multiple parties. For example, if a property owner contracts with a company for snow and ice removal, each party may be partially liable for your injuries.
• If you have considerable injuries, it may not be possible for you to manage your case while you heal. We can track down the property owner, investigate the incident, and fight for you to get maximum compensation.
• As with any personal injury case, you cannot expect fair treatment from an insurance company. Without our representation, you may feel pressured to accept a claim denial or a low settlement offer, leaving you without the resources you need to treat your injuries.
• You have a limited time to take legal action for your injuries. If you fell on government property, for instance, you only have ten days to take action. Our lawyers are knowledgeable about these and other stipulations that can impact your ability to recover damages.

Contact Us for a Free Slip and Fall Consultation

Even if you feel embarrassed or think you were partially at-fault for your slip and fall accident, call us at 905-522-9799 to speak with a slip and fall attorney. We offer a free initial consultation in which we will review your case and determine your best course of action. We serve the communities and surrounding areas of Brantford, Burlington, and Hamilton.