I Got Injured Slipping on an Icy Street: Do I Have Legal Options?
A person can slip and fall, lose balance, and tumble to the ground instantaneously, and without any warning. While these types of accidents may not seem as dangerous as others, such as car accidents and workplace accidents, they can cause severe injuries as well as emotional and financial damages.
As many parts of the country are experiencing severe winter weather, snow and ice increase the risk of slips. Individuals injured slipping on icy streets may wonder, “Do I have legal options?” Slip and fall lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC, in Oklahoma City, OK, work with injury victims to determine if they have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit and who may be liable for injury losses.
How Dangerous Are Icy Streets?
Snow and ice are a concern every winter, so some may think it’s easy to adjust as the cold weather starts up once again. However, ice and snow can be a hazard, no matter how familiar a person is with winter conditions. This year, Oklahoma City has experienced particularly harsh weather, resulting in many slip and fall accidents.
KOCO News 5 recently reported the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) responded to nearly 40 slip and fall accident calls in the Oklahoma City area. Most of the reported incidents happened on ice. Some accidents resulted in minor injuries, while others caused broken bones and head injuries.
EMSA urges people to take their time navigating icy streets, wear proper footwear, and take small steps. They emphasized that even as the ice starts to melt, some patches may remain. They noted that many slips occurred close to home, where they believe that most people let down their guard because they are in their comfort zone.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured Slipping On Ice?
The injuries from a slip on ice can be physically, emotionally, and financially costly. Victims of slip and fall accidents may be able to file a personal injury or premises liability lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of their accident. There are some steps that individuals should take after a slip on ice to preserve the integrity of a potential lawsuit, including:
- Seek medical attention to diagnose and treat injuries
- If possible, collect contact information from any accident witnesses
- Take photographs of the location, being sure to document ice and other hazardous conditions
- Report the hazardous conditions and the accident to the property owner (or local municipality) where the fall occurred
- Contact a slip and fall lawyer to discuss your legal options
Who Is Liable for Accidents Caused by Icy Streets?
No one can control the weather, so slip and fall victims usually assume that no one can be held liable for injuries caused by icy roads. That is not necessarily true. Property and business owners have a duty of care to patrons and guests.
After a storm, property owners should examine their property and address any potential hazards promptly. This includes shoveling snow, treating the pavement with salt or other materials, and placing signs or cones to alert people of wet or slippery surfaces. If a property owner or the municipality in charge of road maintenance is neglectful in caring for premises and someone is injured as a result, they can be liable for all related accident losses.
Contact Us
Lawyers at the Tawwater Law Firm, PLLC, assist slip and fall victims in establishing liability for an accident and pursuing appropriate compensation for damages. If you believe you have grounds to file a slip and fall lawsuit and would like to discuss your case with our legal team, contact our law firm online and schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.