Winter in Kentucky can be beautiful, with snow-covered trees and chilly mornings. However, the beauty of winter also comes with dangers, especially the risk of slip-and-fall injuries. These accidents can happen almost anywhere—on sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances, or even inside homes. While many falls result in minor bruises, some can cause serious injuries that lead to long-term disabilities.
Common winter slip and fall hazards
Kentucky winters can shift from snow to rain and back to snow again. The cycle of thawing and freezing can make surfaces very slippery. Ice is one of the leading causes of slip and fall injuries during winter. Sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots become hazardous when ice forms, often invisible to the eye. Snow can hide uneven surfaces, holes, and other dangers that increase the chance of falling. Additionally, when snow and ice are brought indoors by shoes, they melt and create slick floors in businesses, public buildings and homes.
Common injuries from winter falls
Slip and fall incidents in winter can lead to various injuries, such as:
- Broken bones, especially in the wrists, arms, and hips, from the impact of falls.
- Concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Ligament and muscle injuries from trying to stop a fall.
- Herniated discs or other spinal injuries.
Any of these can involve the inability to work, income loss, and related medical expenses.
Legal rights and responsibilities
Knowing your legal rights is crucial if you experience a slip and fall injury. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises reasonably safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt due to their negligence, the victim can hold them accountable. Here are some key points:
- Duty of care: Property owners should take reasonable steps to avoid hazardous conditions, including regular maintenance and timely snow and ice removal.
- Proof of negligence: To succeed in a claim, you must prove the property owner was negligent. This means showing they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and didn’t fix it.
- Documentation: Gather evidence right after the accident. Take photos of the scene, note the conditions and get contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention immediately and keep all treatment records.
Victims should also discuss the slip and fall with a personal injury attorney to discuss other necessary measures.
Injury attorneys can guide victims through the entire process
A personal injury attorney experienced in slip and fall cases can guide victims through these situations. They can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement and represent the client’s interests in court if there’s litigation. A personal injury lawyer that handles slip and falls works on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge legal fees if they win your case. These services allow victims to focus on recovery while the attorney manages the legal complexities of the case.