Slip and Falls Caused by Snow and Ice

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Slip and Falls Caused by Snow and Ice

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Winter is synonymous with cold weather, snow, and ice. No one knows this better than those who live in Chicago, the “Windy City” where winter breezes off Lake Michigan can seem to freeze your eyelashes in a split second. Even in the middle of winter, you will still see people walking down the sidewalks in the city commuting to and from work, heading out to dinner with friends, or picking up groceries from the store. Although shopkeepers have a duty to keep the sidewalks clear in order to mitigate the risk of a slip and fall injury, some fail to do so. When a person slips and falls due to a slippery sidewalk that is covered with snow and ice, serious injuries can occur. 

What to Do if You’re Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident

 When you experience a slip and fall accident, the aftermath can be incredibly painful and unexpected. One moment, you are simply walking down the street attempting to get to your destination, and the next moment, without any warning, you are lying flat on your back on top of a sheet of dangerous ice that is covering the sidewalk. If you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to: 

• • Report the incident – When you’re in a slip and fall accident, you can call the police to report the accident. Also, alert the shop owner and any witnesses that you just slipped and fell. The police will arrive and can assess the scene, take notes, interview people nearby, and write up an official report that describes the scenario that led to the slip and fall accident. 

• Seek a medical evaluation – After a fall, you might not think that you have sustained serious injuries, but some injuries do take days or even weeks to present symptoms. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible and ask for a full evaluation. This will help show that you took action to seek medical help after the accident, which the insurance companies will typically ask for. 

• Contact a Chicago personal injury lawyer – Going up against the insurance companies can be challenging, especially when you are injured. Working with a lawyer can help your chances of recovering compensation for your injuries after an accident.

Don’t Hesitate – Reach Out to a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away

A slip and fall injury is no laughing matter and can result in serious, long-lasting complications for those involved. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident and believe that your fall was due to another party’s negligence and could have been avoided, it is advisable to speak with an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney. With over twenty-five years of experience, Malman Law is dedicated to helping to protect the legal rights of those who have been hurt in a slip and fall accident. We understand the challenges that you are facing in the event of an injury and are here to help. Call us today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about your legal options.