Winter Slip and Fall Personal Injury Lawyer: How to Prevent a Winter Slip and Fall and What to Do if You Get Injured

Temperatures are dropping in our Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts communities, and we are well on our way to braving tough winter conditions. And while slip and fall accidents certainly happen year-round, they are much more likely to occur when rain, ice, and snow are present. So, as a winter slip and fall personal injury lawyer, now is a good time to remind you what to look out for.

A slip and fall personal injury lawyer at Bottaro Injury Lawyers can help you navigate your slip and fall (premises liability) case. Don’t hesitate to call us now to discuss your case and options!

Common Winter Slip and Fall Injuries

Winter slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than one million people are hospitalized yearly due to slip and fall injuries. Winter weather is often the culprit behind these statistics. For instance, many property owners and businesses fail to properly shovel or treat snowy and icy outdoor walkways. Other times, untreated, wet, or icy common areas pose a significant danger. Common slip and fall injuries include:

• Fractures – common broken bones include wrist, arm, ankle, and hip bones.
• Dislocations – common dislocation places include shoulders, elbows, ankles, and knees.
• Contusions (bruising) – Severe contusions can indicate a serious medical condition.
• Soft tissue injuries – Ligament, muscle, and/or tendon stretches, tears, and strains can impact your quality of life.
• Back and spine injuries – Injured (herniated, bulging) discs can also negatively affect your way of life.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – The CDC reports that falls are the most common cause of TBIs.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Slip and Fall?

To successfully sue a property owner or business after your slip and fall, you need a local personal injury law firm to help you navigate your case. This is because you must prove the following legal elements:

• That the landlord and business owed you a reasonable duty of care,
• That the duty was breached,
• That the duty breach actually (proximately) caused injury, and
• That you suffered injuries because of the slip and fall

Property owners in Rhode Island and Massachusetts have a duty of reasonable care to keep their property safe for visitors. “Reasonable care” is a legal term of art that can mean slightly different things based on where (what state/city/municipality) the injury occurred.

If a negligent property owner causes your slip and fall injuries this winter, lawyer up right away. A local personal injury attorney may be able to end your case before filing a lawsuit. Check out some of our recent premises liability wins!

Generally, landlords and businesses in Rhode Island and Massachusetts must keep visitors reasonably safe from natural and unnatural accumulated snow and ice . This means that landlords and businesses have a duty to protect their visitors from harsh winter conditions.

A skilled and local winter slip and fall personal injury attorney will be able to evaluate the facts and evidence in your case to determine if you have a viable case and what it’s worth. Call us now to discuss your recent slip and fall injuries!

How to Decrease Your Risk for Injury in a Slip and Fall Accident

Stay safe this winter. While we can’t control negligent property owners’ actions, we can control ourselves. Consider adopting the following safety measures this winter to prevent/reduce your fall risk:

• Plan ahead and take your time. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Remember to take small steps to increase your balance and control.
• Anticipate slippery surfaces, such as black ice. While danger isn’t necessarily lurking around every corner, it’s wise to prepare for the worst wintertime walking (and driving) conditions.
• Wear proper footwear. This typically means wearing supportive winter boots with good traction.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. In addition to anticipating undesirable walkway and roadway conditions, keep an eye on your surroundings. Are there large snowbanks in the path? Are large icicles melting along the walkway?
• Use handrails where possible. Handrails, walking sticks, walkers, and canes can help you maintain your balance.

Winter weather is approaching, so we encourage you to stay vigilant and know your legal rights! Have questions? Call us!

It’s Good to Know Mike Bottaro – 24/7 Top-Rated Personal Injury Help

At Bottaro Injury Lawyers, we care for people. Attorney Mike Bottaro and his award-winning legal team handle all types of personal injury cases throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We can even help with cases in other states as well. We pride ourselves on our honesty, integrity, and results. Contact us 24/7 in any method you prefer for a fast, free, and confidential consultation about your case. Text or call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free and confidential online form. We are here to serve and help you!