In winter, conditions leading to slips, trips, and falls are amplified by cold and precipitous weather. There may already be occasional spills that pose slip hazards, but the cold, wet weather might mean puddles are a frequent hazard throughout the season.

Some of the specific contributors to the rise in slips, trips, and falls during winter include:

• Snowmelt from wet footwear, creating slippery floors inside
• Icy conditions on surfaces outside, including sidewalks and parking lots
• Snow covering and obscuring tripping hazards like curbs
• People slipping when rushing to get out of the cold

Slip and fall accidents can cause severe injuries, such as broken bones, fractures, and even traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries both of which can result in permanent disability or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 million U.S. adults are injured due to slips and falls every year, with the injury rate increasing significantly as temperatures decline. Winter slip and fall accidents can cause devastating injuries which can lead to high medical bills, lost wages, and months of pain and suffering.

LIABILITY

All property owners are required to maintain their properties and take reasonable precautions to prevent injuries by correcting known problems. In the winter, certain conditions can quickly become problematic and are therefore more likely to contribute to slip and fall accidents.  

COMMON WINTER SLIP AND FALL INJURIES

It’s easy to sustain a serious injury from a winter slip and fall accident. If you sustained an injury, be sure to seek medical help immediately. Common injuries that our slip and fall lawyers see include: 

• Fractures – commonly of the arm, leg, ankle, ribs, or foot 
• Bruises 
• Back injuries 
• Neck or spinal cord injuries 
• Traumatic brain injures – such as a concussion 

Personal injury lawyers can seek compensation for injuries sustained from a fall on ice or snow when it was caused due to someone else’s negligence. You may be able to obtain compensation for: 

• Hospital bills 
• Physician bills 
• Cost of durable medical equipment (such as a hospital bed) 
• Cost for physical therapy and rehabilitation 
• Pain and suffering
• Compensation for lost wages 

WHAT TO DO WHEN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

• Seek medical attention for your injuries and have them documented by a medical professional 
• Contact a personal injury lawyer about your legal rights.
• Speak with any witnesses to obtain their contact information 
• Report the slip and fall to the property owner or manager 
• Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident location. Winter conditions can quickly dissipate, and it’s important to document the condition of the property at the time of the accident. 



WINTER SAFETY TIPS

In order to avoid slipping and tripping in the winter, follow these safety precautions:  

Always wear footwear that is appropriate for outdoor weather conditions; choose shoes or boots that offer increased traction. 

Walk carefully and take smaller steps. Keep a steady pace and avoid running, brisk walking, or sudden directional changes. 

Always keep pathways clear of snow and ice. Use ice melt and shovel your sidewalk and steps regularly. 

Avoid distractions as you walk; do not use your cell phone or other electronics.  

CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY

If you or someone you know has had a slip and fall accident, contact Dave Thomas at The Thomas Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your claim.