Slip and Fall Accidents During Winters in Massachusetts

Winter months see a spike in slip-and-fall incidents as a result of poor weather conditions and neglected infrastructure. When it becomes cold, walking pathways frequently get covered with snow, sidewalks get ice and parking lots get a lot of slushy potholes. These hazardous circumstances increase the chance of slipping and falling throughout the winter.

Accidents involving a slip and fall can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, fractures, and even traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries, which both have the potential to leave a victim permanently disabled or dead. Our expert Slip and Fall attorneys discuss slip and fall accidents during winter.

What Obligations do Landowners Have?

Slip-and-fall incidents caused by the winter weather frequently occur on sidewalks, in parking lots, or at the entrances of businesses that have not been properly maintained. Property owners are required to take reasonable precautions to preserve safety on their properties when members of the public, particularly clients, might be reasonably anticipated to use them. To prevent slips, trips, and accidents for the general public, this job also includes routine property inspections and snow and ice clearance. Property owners who breach this obligation may be held negligent.

If a landowner ignores hazardous situations and circumstances that they know about or should have known existed on their property, they may be held liable for your slip and fall harm. Additionally, according to our slip and fall attorneys, landowners may be liable for

• Failure to inspect the premises
• Failure to have adequate staffing, training, and supervision
• Failure to maintain premises
• Failure to secure premises
• Failure to keep premises safe

In winter, property owners and the government can be held liable for having icy pathways, blocked entries with snow, and other hazardous conditions that may cause slip and fall injuries.

The insurance firms could work to limit the amount of compensation you receive for your injury. However, our skilled slip and fall accident attorney at Foti Law LLC. are aware of the strategies and can come up with the strongest defenses for the compensation you deserve.

This Winter, Avoid Falls and Slips

The most common type of unintentional injury is slips and falls. Since almost half of slip and fall injuries happen between winters, this is the most likely period for them to harm you. Don't let the cold weather defeat you.

• Wear the right shoes: One of the major contributors to slip-and-fall incidents is the failure to dress appropriately for the weather, especially when it is snowing. When walking on slick areas, look for shoes with textured bottoms that will provide you with enough grip. Insulated boots are the best choice for keeping your feet warm and dry when it's chilly outside. Avoid wearing high heels, shoes with plastic or leather soles, or shoes with minimal grip or substance on the sole.
• Never lose focus when walking; always be mindful of your surroundings. It is improper to saunter around with your hands in your pockets. You can quickly grasp anything before falling if you slip. However, if your hands are in your pockets, you can find it difficult to react quickly. Avoid using your phone while moving. You could not see dangerous conditions when you're walking, which could cause you to slip and fall.
• Avoid dangerous conditions: Avoid dangerous situations at home by making sure that the gutters and downspouts are not leaking or dripping water onto the paths. You shouldn't spray water onto sidewalks, roads, or paths from any source. Standing water can freeze and create an extremely slick surface.
• Determine any potential risks: Make sure there are no dangerous situations before entering a building. Try to stay away from areas that pose dangers if you see wet areas, a lot of snow, or an uneven surface.
• Railings: As soon as you see a railing, grab it. If you lose your balance or trip, using handrails will enable you to steady yourself much more effectively. However, be sure that any railings are securely fastened before using them. Furthermore, loose railings might be hazardous.
• Take short, light steps: When walking on slick surfaces, taking shorter steps than normal will assist you to maintain stability. Walk gently and avoid propping up your feet excessively.

What Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident? 1. Call Emergency

To report an accident, call an ambulance, and obtain emergency medical care, dial 911. In addition to being essential for your safety, seeking medical treatment is also the first step in establishing your case. The first thing you should do after a slip and fall injury is to document your wounds. The most crucial thing you can do to make a professional record of your injuries is to see a doctor as soon as possible following your slip and fall.

2. Take pictures

Even if the jury can hear what the witnesses have to say and picture the scenario, it is more effective if they can view the images. Take pictures of the scenario even if you're unsure of what you're capturing.

Your smartphone is sufficient. Take pictures of the ground, your surroundings, and even the region outside the scene. Later, your lawyer can assist you in deciding what's most crucial. To convince the jury that your account of the events is correct, photos might be crucial.

3. Avoid using social media.

Despite how tempting it can seem, avoid posting any details about your fall or injuries on social media. Insurance adjusters and lawyers frequently examine social media for evidence of contradictions that they might use to refute your claim.

Additionally, wait to speak with your lawyer before providing any recorded statements or signing any agreements, whether they be with an insurance provider or property management.

Any comments you make on the accident might be used against you and your claim.

When to Seek Legal Assistance

Although not all falls are caused by someone else's negligence, you might be shocked at how many are. In general, you may be entitled to compensation if a slip or fall occurs as a result of a dangerous situation on someone else's property. Our Massachusetts Slip and Fall attorneys at Foti Law LLC know to assess your case and help you establish whether someone else was to blame for your accident.

---