The Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents in the Winter

slip and fall accidents

With temperatures dropping across the country, fall is officially here, and that means winter is just around the corner. Cold temperatures may prevent people from partaking in most outdoor activities. They can also cause many dangerous hazards for people in Maryland. In extremely cold temperatures, we will see snow and ice on the streets. This poses a risk to anyone who has to walk outside to get to their destination. According to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), slip and fall accidents cause 300,000 injuries and 20,000 deaths each year throughout the United States. Thus, it is important that Maryland residents protect themselves against slip and falls during icy conditions this winter.

Slip and Fall Accidents: Who is Liable?

Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere — from a store parking lot to your very own driveway. However, in order to recover for your injuries it is important to determine who was at fault. During the wintertime, icy conditions can cause a simple 10-foot walk to your car to be a precarious endeavor. Any slip and fall lawsuit starts by determining whether the owner of the property was at fault for the accident. If he or she failed to keep up the property in a way that could have prevented it. This is why most property owners safeguard their property for the winter by distributing salt on the sidewalks and parking lots. Typically, a lawsuit based on a slip and fall accident will hinge on whether the owner of the premises acted reasonably. In most of these cases your carelessness can also play a role in how much you are entitled to recover. Thus, it is in your best interest to be careful in preventing an accident when you can.

Preventing Serious Injuries From Slip and Fall Accidents

Accidents happen and they are not always preventable. The following tips can help you from sustaining serious injuries due to a slip and fall accident in the wintertime:

  • Dress appropriately for the weather: It is important to protect yourself by wearing proper footwear when you know you will be walking outside.
  • Give yourself extra time to get to your destination: Rushing to get to your destination because you are running late can pose a real danger hazard in the winter. It is important to be aware of your surroundings. And to take smaller steps to avoid slipping on a patch of ice.
  • Keep your hands accessible: It may be tempting to keep your hands in your pockets for extra warmth. You are actually better off wearing gloves and having your hands out to your sides. If you do fall, you can use your hands to help break your fall and prevent more serious injuries.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a slip and fall accident, contact one of our experienced injury attorneys in Maryland today. To learn more about your legal rights and remedies as a victim, please contact the Baltimore County, MD offices of attorney Michael A. Freedman. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation to discuss your circumstances with a skilled truck accident lawyer.

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