Last month, lowcountry residents were surrounded by a winter wonderland of snow and ice. As skis and snowboards were pulled out of their cobwebbed depths and winter hats and gloves were donned, locals took to the streets to enjoy their time in the snow.
While time in the snow brought childlike wonder and joy to our coastal city, many became well-acquainted with the snow’s treacherous slippery sibling: ice.
A close encounter with the slick substance leaves many of us with bruised buttocks and crippling embarrassment over our slip and fall. For the unlucky few, however, it can also leave lasting pain followed by medical expenses.
Is there a time when you can sue for a slip-and-fall accident on ice? Keep reading to discover what our slip-and-fall attorneys think you should know!
Can You Sue if You Slipped and Fell on Ice?
Not every slip-and-all accident meets the eligibility to file a personal injury claim and a fight for compensation. For example, if you suffered a slip and fall on ice on your property, the fault lies with you – cue the stinging heat of embarrassment and a bruised ego.
However, in circumstances where a property owner failed to provide a certain level of duty of care, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries.
Suffering from a slip-and-fall accident on another owner’s property or commercial establishment due to negligence may fall under premises liability.
Premises liability is the legal responsibility of a property owner to correct dangerous conditions or warn others who enter the land of them. If they fail to uphold the duty of care owed to invitees or licensees, they may be held liable for any damages, injuries, or loss within their property.
If the forecast promises hazardous ice or winter-weather conditions, property owners should take the following actions:
- Remove ice and snow to the best of their ability
- Place clear warning signs in areas with a high risk of snow- or ice-related injury
- Provide ample lighting for nighttime visibility
Common Injuries from a Slip and Fall on Ice
A slip and fall on the icy ground can lead to a wide range of severe injuries. While a slip on the ice may only result in a black and blue mark on your buttocks, it can also lead to more serious, life-altering injuries, such as a spinal cord injury or concussion.
The most common slip and fall injuries on the ice may include the following:
Bruises and Lacerations
When a part of your body collides with something hard, such as the ground during a slip and fall, blood vessels may become damaged, leaking blood into the body. These damaged blood vessels cause the skin to become discolored, resulting in a nasty bruise.
Fractured and Broken Bones
During a fall, our knee-jerk reaction is to brace ourselves for the oncoming impact. While bracing your body may seem like a good idea, it can sometimes cause more significant injury. Depending on your distance from the point of impact and the force, the impact with the icy ground can cause your joint to bend out of alignment and crack surrounding bones.
Bones can break or fracture in various ways depending on the pressure applied to the bone and joints at the point of impact.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the more serious injuries caused by a slip-and-fall accident involves the spine. Landing on your back can damage the bones and tissues of your spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis, disability, or long-term complications.
If you’ve suffered a spinal cord injury due to a slip-and-fall accident on another person’s property, consult with a slip-and-fall lawyer near you for guidance on seeking compensation.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
During a slip-and-fall accident, we don’t always have the time or reaction speed to stop the most fragile parts of our bodies from making an impact.
The impact between our head and a hard object or surface causes the brain to move back and forth, hitting the inside of the skull. Depending on the force of the impact, you may suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms can range between what is seen and unseen, from a noticeable bruise or bump to personality changes and internal bleeding.
If you suffered a slip-and-fall accident that caused you to hit your head, seek help from a medical professional immediately.
What You Should Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you slipped and fell on ice due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. In the aftermath of an accident, take the following steps to prepare for a personal injury lawsuit in the future.
Inform the Property Owner
While it may be tempting to get up as quickly as possible after a fall on another person’s property and pretend nothing happened, don’t. After slipping and falling on ice, inform the property manager and ask for assistance from staff or managers.
Pay Attention to the Details
In the aftermath of a slip and fall accident on another’s property, take notice of the details surrounding your accident. Were there proper warning signs of the icy hazard? Were there witnesses to your accident? Take note of your surroundings to help your attorney build a case for you later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have any apparent symptoms or nothing appears broken, consult a medical professional. Not only does it rule out potentially devastating injuries or concerns, but it also helps to build documented evidence to show the court the extent of your injuries.
Hire a Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorney in Charleston and Georgetown, SC
Considering legal action for a slip-and-fall accident may seem dramatic or even inconsequential, but our team of attorneys knows better.
Our attorneys in Georgetown, SC and Charleston, SC understand the life-changing aftermath of an accident, from the financial setbacks to the long-term health effects. While you focus on recovery, leave the rest to Hoffman.
Leave Your Worries on What Happens Next with Hoffman Law Firm
Slip and fall injuries, especially ones on the ice, can have devastating effects on your health and financial well-being. While seeking legal help after a fall may seem overdramatic, there is no case too small.
Located in Georgetown, South Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina, we proudly advocate for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. We have established a reputation for success, securing much-needed compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today.
