Icy Holidays Pose Risk to Pedestrians and Shoppers

The Thanksgiving holiday in New York featured bitter cold and blowing winds, both recipes for increased rates of accidents. One of the major risks from sustained temperatures below freezing is the accumulation of ice on sidewalks and outside businesses. Heavy winds contribute to the danger, as significant gusts can affect a person’s balance.

Businesses which remain open during these conditions should be prepared for how to address ice and snow buildup. One of the most important questions any business should answer is where to move excess snow. Simply shoveling it into the street is not a safe option.

Other important considerations to reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries due to ice include:

• Being aware of lighting, particularly in the early morning and late evening hours, as insufficient lighting makes it difficult to see ice
• Being prepared with ice melting supplies as appropriate
• Being prepared with cones or other items to mark areas where ice removal strategies have proved insufficient

Snowstorms and frigid temperatures are an expected occurrence during winter shopping months, and failure to address potential dangers to customers is not acceptable. Every business, no matter how small or how large, should be ready to account for snow and ice in their entranceways. Small businesses may expect their neighbors to handle these accumulations, but that is often not the case.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, and you believe that failure to remediate snow and ice buildup may have been a factor, please consider reaching out to a qualified attorney. An experienced lawyer can evaluate your case and help you determine whether another party’s negligence led to your accident.