Slip and fall injuries caused by ice and snow

Winter is just around the corner, and with it comes an increased risk of slip and fall injuries caused by ice and snow. According to the CDC, almost a million people are hospitalized each year due to snowy and icy conditions with one out of five falls resulting in serious injury.

The majority of these types of accidents occur in parking lots or sidewalks outside of commercial businesses. The burden of liability for these types of slip and fall accidents often lies with the property owner. It is the responsibility of the owner to exercise reasonable care when it comes to maintaining these areas of their property

Public property owners as well as owners of private residences have a “duty of care” to identify potential hazards and take reasonable steps to maintain safety on their property. This would include clearing sidewalks, walkways, and stairs, as well keeping the roofs clear of ice and snow.

Who is at fault?

These type of personal injury cases fall under the legal heading of premises liability, a legal term that refers to the responsibility that property owners have to ensure that their property is safe from ice and snow hazards.The responsibility for slip and fall injuries caused by snow and ice may fall upon commercial property owners, homeowners, and renters of single-family homes.

In order to prove negligence in these types of cases, you must prove that the property owner was aware of or should have been aware of the dangerous conditions, and failed to take reasonable measures to either clear away the ice on sidewalks and/or snow or provide adequate warning of the hazardous conditions.

So, it’s important to document the details surrounding the accident with photos and notes as well as getting eyewitness accounts if possible. See a doctor as soon as possible and obtain documentation regarding treatment and the severity of your injury.

Do you have a case?

Winter weather conditions in South Dakota are brutal, bringing ice and snow,and creating slippery surfaces that can lead to dangerous conditions whether you’re walking from your car to your office, walking to the bus stop, or visiting a friend’s home.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident that resulted from negligence on the part of a commercial or private property owner, you’ll need the services of an experienced law firm that specializes in slip and falls personal injury cases.

In the state of South Dakota, you are entitled to bring a legal action to recover financial damages to help with the payment of your medical bills and to offset any out-of-pocket expenses as well as lost wages. Greg Yates and Michael Shubeck of Rapid City Lawyers have more than 40 years of experience between them litigating personal injury cases and have won major settlements and jury awards for their clients.

If you’re looking for a premises liability attorney in South Dakota, please contact our office to schedule your free initial consultation.