Winter Slip and Fall Injuries

When winter weather sets in, sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor stairs, and streets become slip and fall hazards covered in snow and ice.

If you get injured in an ice- or snow-related slip and fall accident, it's important to seek prompt medical attention and keep thorough records of the incident and any follow-up treatment in case you decide to pursue a personal injury case against a property owner.

Liability

Slip and fall accidents nearly always involve some degree of responsibility for both parties. Citizens walking on any surface should wear proper footwear and pay adequate attention to their surroundings to avoid slipping or tripping. 

Property owners must keep areas open to the public as safe as possible. Business owners who do not maintain their sidewalks, steps, and entranceways adequately may be liable for injuries caused by a slip and fall accident.

Owners might be found negligent if they failed to remove ice and snow within a reasonable amount of time. Other general duties property owners owe the public to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents include regularly inspecting all walking areas and placing warning signs or cones in areas where they know citizens have a higher risk of falling.

Documentation

Begin gathering important information as soon as you have a slip and fall accident that results in injury. If you write things down early and start keeping a file of all documents related to the accident and your injuries. This way, you'll be in a much better situation to prove your case if you decide to file a lawsuit against the property owner.

Take pictures of the location of your accident as soon as possible so the conditions that caused your fall will still be visible. Move around to get pictures from multiple angles if possible. Also, take photos of any injuries you sustained before and after you get medical treatment, as well as during the healing process. 

Note the date, time, and exact location of your slip and fall accident while you still remember all of the details. Write down a detailed account of what happened, including where you were, what you were wearing, the current weather, the condition of the walking path or parking lot, and any witnesses.

Damages

The primary damages awarded to slip and fall accident victims who prove their cases in court are medical damages. This money covers the expense of your medical treatment, including doctors' fees, facility fees, medications, and medical devices, including splints, slings, braces, walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and any other necessary equipment for your injuries.

You may recover damages to cover the cost of any personal items that were damaged or destroyed when you fell, such as phones and eyeglasses.

If your injury requires you to take time off work to heal, have surgery, or visit your doctor, you might be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Some slip and fall accident victims are able to recover additional damages for pain and mental suffering caused by the accident or your injuries.

Attorney Representation

Personal injury law can be very complex and confusing. If you decide to pursue a personal injury case due to a slip and fall accident, it's best to seek the advice of an experienced local personal injury lawyer. 

If you haven't decided whether you want to file a lawsuit or if you're not sure if you would be entitled to compensation, seek the advice of an attorney as soon as possible. 

New Jersey's personal injury law sets the statute of limitations on slip and fall accidents within two years of the date of the accident. That means you only have two years to file a lawsuit from the date of your fall.

Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi represent personal injury clients throughout south New Jersey. Contact us today if you've been injured in a slip and fall accident to set up a consultation appointment.