If you slip and fall on ice, who is responsible?

If you slip and fall on ice, the property owner or business responsible for clearing ice and snow may be held responsible if you are injured after they failed to clear the hazard in a reasonable amount of time. How can you know for sure? The best thing to do is to simply consult an expert – call a personal injury lawyer who will listen to the details of your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.

Should you choose to pursue legal action, the team of slip and fall attorneys at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys will not only investigate the case on your behalf, but we will not collect any fee from you unless we win your case.

In the meantime, there are some important things to keep in mind in case of a slip and fall.

1. Report the fall to the business or property owner, even if it seems like a minor fall. If there is any hazard, they need to be made aware immediately. Ask them to fill out an incident report and obtain a copy.

2. Take photos of the surface where you fell and the surrounding area and conditions. Document the date and time of your fall.

3. If possible, get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the fall.

4. Get medical attention. Even if, at first, you don’t seem to be seriously hurt, it is best to be checked out by a doctor, and to have any pain or injury documented.

To avoid a slip and fall:

• Stay alert – expect that the ground and pavement may be icy and watch where you step.
• Wear weather-appropriate footwear – rubber-soled shoes and boots are best for slippery surfaces; carry work/dress shoes separately until you arrive at your destination
• Keep your hands out of your pockets – keeping your hands free will help you keep your balance, and brace yourself in case of a fall.
• Take your time –  Don’t run or jog on icy roads. Take your time to get where you’re going, and take shorter, more tentative steps than usual.
• Use handrails whenever possible.
• If you see a wet floor without a “wet floor” sign in a store, restaurant, or other business – bring it to an employee or manager’s attention.

If you do slip and fall and you are hurt as a result, contact Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys to learn what your rights are in your unique situation.