Slip and Falls On Ice or Snow: Do I Have a Lawsuit?
Though you’d expect February in Vermont to be lighter on the snow, the reality is that this month is still considered wintertime. Snow is abundant, and with it comes dangerous sidewalks and roads that are iced over and difficult to see. It’s important to be aware of the injuries a slip and fall on ice or snow can cause, how you should proceed, and to know whether or not you have a personal injury case on your hands. While many slip and falls are no one’s fault, if there’s a chance someone is responsible, you’ll want to be compensated for your pain and suffering.
Common Slip & Fall Injuries
Injuries resulting from a slip and fall on a snowy or ice sidewalk can range from minor to serious. If you fracture your arm while trying to stop your fall or hit your head on the ground, it’s crucial that you seek medical attention immediately to treat your injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Bruises and abrasions
- Fractures and sprains
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain and head injuries
Seemingly minor symptoms, like headaches, can end up being a sign of a more serious injury. Even if you fear a hefty medical bill, it’s still important to put your health first. If you have a premises liability case on your hands, our lawyers can help you seek compensation to pay for any bills or lost wages from work you’ve accrued as a result of your accident.
Can You Sue the City for Slipping On Ice?
In general, the municipality can only be held liable for slip and falls on ice if they occur in a non-residential or public area of sidewalk or road. For example, if you slip on the sidewalk in front of your neighbors house, your claim would likely be against your neighbor, not the city. The same holds true if you fall on the sidewalk outside a grocery store (assuming it is owned by the grocery store). The only time you may be able to file a lawsuit against the city for a slip and fall accident is if you fall in a commercial area.
Can You Sue A Store if You Fall In Their Parking Lot?
While generally, property owners in areas with a lot of snow and ice aren’t expected to always keep their sidewalks free, there are some cases in which the property owner must be held responsible for injuries that occur on their property. If you’ve slipped and fallen on private property and the owner knew about the hazard, they had an obligation to fix the hazard.
If you suspect that a property owner knew about their dangerous environment, you may have a premises liability case that our lawyers can take on.
Millions Recovered Since 1980
You require a personal injury law team that puts your best interests first. At Shillen Mackall & Seldon Law Office, our lawyers have spent the past 40 years as a firm fighting for the rights of our clients to full compensation for their injuries. You can rely on our decades of demonstrated success to help you achieve the results you want so you can move on to the rest of your life. We offer free initial consultations and 24/7 availability so we can help you at any time of day.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you deserve quality service from a legal team with years of experience. Call Shillen Mackall & Seldon Law Office today at (802) 457-4848, or contact us online.