Slipping on ice injuries: Common causes and legal liabilities
https://www.medlegal360.com/slipping-on-ice-injuries/
Slipping on ice injuries are common during the winter season. Some injuries are minor, but some can be life-threatening. Minor injuries range from bruises and abrasions to severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, dislocations, and traumatic brain injuries.
People with pre-existing conditions and elderly people are vulnerable to slipping on ice injuries because their mobility and bone strength are lower compared to others. Most winter accidents take place due to icy surfaces, inappropriate maintenance, and inadequate footwear. Knowing the causes and preventive measures and learning about premises liability can help you dodge the slippery falls.
Causes of slipping on ice injuries
Icy conditions such as freezing temperatures, rain, and snow are the main reasons for slipping and falling. Property owners have a duty to clean their surfaces. If they are not maintaining their property, people slip, fall, and get injured. Not wearing appropriate traction shoes is another main cause of slipping on ice injuries.
Preventive measures for slipping on ice:
- To reduce slippage, pick footwear with non-slip soles and good traction.
- Walk like a penguin when you walk on ice. When handrails are provided, use them and go slowly and carefully.
- If you are a property owner, clear snow and ice from the area surrounding your home or place of business on a regular basis.
- To increase traction and lower the chance of slipping on slippery surfaces, use ice melt or sand.
Premises liability
When someone trips, slips, or falls as a result of icy conditions on someone else’s property, they may file a slip and fall on ice lawsuit. This is a specific type of personal injury claim. The legal idea of premises liability is the foundation of these instances. In many jurisdictions, property owners have to maintain their properties in good condition to avoid ice-related slip and fall accidents. If you don’t, you could be held liable for any harm you cause.
If an injured party failed to take reasonable precautions or was not wearing appropriate footwear, they could occasionally share the blame for the collision. The plaintiff must establish the following four factors in order to prevail in a slip and fall on ice case: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
The term “duty of care” describes the obligation placed on the landowner to keep the area secure. Owners who neglect to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents, such as failing to remove ice as soon as it forms or failing to give the appropriate warnings, are in breach of duty. Damages are the financial losses incurred by the aggrieved party, while causation indicates that the breach of duty directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
A thorough medical record review is necessary in slip-and-fall situations to assess the severity of injuries, choose the best course of treatment, and identify any potential long-term consequences.
People can lessen their risk of getting hurt during the winter by being aware of what leads to slip and fall accidents on ice and adopting precautions. Furthermore, being aware of one’s legal obligations can help safeguard both property owners and hurt people in the event of an accident.
