What You Should Do When Ice And Snow Cause Slip-And-Fall Accidents
Snow and ice can create dangerous walking conditions. And, unfortunately, too many homeowners and businesses fail to clean the sidewalks on their property after a storm. If you have fallen on a sidewalk that has not been cleaned properly and are hurt, the property owner could be held responsible for your injuries. That is why it is important that you do the following as soon as possible after your slip and fall accident:
- Take pictures of the area where you fell. You may need to take photographs from multiple angles, as the icy patch may be hard to see in pictures. Make sure that the address of the home or some other distinguishing factor of the property is visible in the photographs.
- Get the names and phone numbers of witnesses who can say that they've seen you fall and that the sidewalk was icy or slick with snow.
- Advise the owner of the business or home that you have fallen and are injured.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries. It is important not to underplay your injuries when you speak to the doctor, as his findings will be on your medical records, and your words could be used against you if you file a lawsuit later on down the road.
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. It is likely that the homeowner's or business owner's insurance company will try to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. That is why it is important to hire a lawyer that can help you recover the cost of all of your medical expenses, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering.
Ice at the Workplace
If you have fallen while on the job, you need to notify your employer immediately, even if you do not feel that you are injured. Typically, your employer will ask you to:
- Fill out an incident report. When people fall, they don't always realize that they are injured at first. Sometimes, the adrenaline rush caused by the fall may mask the pain, and other times people are so embarrassed, they just want to pretend nothing happened. Later on, when the adrenaline wears off, pain from an injury may finally make itself known. That is why it's important to have an incident report on file.
- See an approved medical provider. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, you should comply with this request.
If you should miss time from work because of your slip-and-fall accident and your employer denies you worker's compensation benefits, consider seeking an attorney so that you can get paid for your injuries and your time missed from work.
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