The Season for Slips

It’s the icy time of year, and pedestrians and drivers should be extra careful. If there is any reason to suspect that ice might be present, it is important to take every precaution to reduce the risk of falling, slipping, or driving off the road. Such precautions include:

• Wearing appropriate shoes
• Keeping your center of balance directly over your feet
• Avoiding areas where ice is likely to accumulate
• Looking for designated pathways that have been cleared of ice and snow
• Go slowly

Taking precautions is always a wonderful idea, but despite the best precautions slips and falls still sometimes occur. The question you have to ask yourself after such a fall is what caused the fall. In particular, was there something someone could (and should) have done to make the area safer?

Many people are unaware that property owners are required to exercise due care when it comes to ice and snow buildup on their property. Businesses are not allowed to neglect ice removal and just assume that customers and pedestrians will somehow avoid falling.

Different states have different rules regarding ice abatement, but businesses should avoid being negligent in this regard. Proper ice abatement and signage are key safety concerns, and there is no reason a business should not take them into account on snowy and icy days.

If you have been injured, or know of someone who has been injured due to a slip and fall, or trip and fall, it is important that person understand their rights. Please contact an experienced attorney who can advise you on the legal requirements in your area.