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Have you ever found yourself slipping on ice, arms waving, trying to regain your balance in the most comical yet terrifying way possible? It may be riskier than you think to slip on ice. From the most common sprains and strains to the rarest and most severe fractures, we’ll explore the aftermath of those precarious slips and how you can prevent them.
The Cold Reality of Slip on Ice Accidents
Winter brings frozen streets and pavements in many regions of the nation. When considering winter safety risks, many people immediately think of car accidents and skiing injuries. Yet, slipping on ice and snow is one of the most frequent and dangerous sources of winter-related injuries.
Snow and ice frequently build up on walkways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other surfaces, which increases the risk that someone will slip on ice and injure themselves. Unfortunately, slipping on ice can be dangerous and result in life-threatening injuries.
More Americans die from winter weather than from summer heat. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, car accidents on snowy or icy pavement result in more than 1,300 fatalities and 116,800 injuries annually.
See below the winter Crash Statistics according to U.S. Department of Transportation:
What is Black Ice?
One of the most hazardous winter weather conditions is black ice. Black ice is a clear layer of ice that is extremely hard to see on any surface. Since the black ice typically makes the pavement very visible, many people fall over it because it doesn’t appear covered in ice.
Black ice causes car accidents frequently, but some of the worst incidents involve pedestrians who trip and fall on this unseen ice. Falling on black ice can cause serious injuries like hip, back, and head injuries.
Slip and Fall on Ice Injuries
Numerous injuries can be sustained in slip and fall incidents. Whiplash has become more common due to sliding and falling on ice. Whiplash from falling on ice can result in many symptoms and health issues because it causes the neck to lose its natural curve.
Common injuries from slipping and falling on snow or ice include:
Injuries from slipping on ice can impact a person’s health, mobility, and overall well-being. Elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to these incidents, as they may have reduced mobility, balance, or bone strength.
Call for medical assistance if you experience any pain following a slip on ice. Taking preventive measures and learning how to navigate icy conditions safely is crucial to minimize the risk of slip and fall accidents during the winter season.
What to do If You Slip on Ice?
If you slip on ice, the foremost step is to stay calm and assess the situation. Take some time to check for injuries, being mindful not to move too quickly or make sudden movements that could worsen your condition.
- Get medical care if you are in pain, and ensure your injuries are recorded.
- Keep a witness list. Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed your fall.
- Take pictures. Ice and snow can melt quickly; therefore, it’s important to take pictures of the accident scene as soon as it occurs.
- Additionally, you must notify the property manager about ice-related slips and falls. The most effective way of recording an incident is through a written report.
- To explore your legal rights, contact a lawyer. If you have a case, a slip and fall attorney can assess it for you and explain all relevant laws.
Treatment After Fall on Ice
The type and extent of the damage you sustained from slipping on ice or snow will naturally determine the type and intensity of treatment you need.
When you try to catch yourself after falling on ice, your back is most likely to be injured by the wrenching and twisting you do. If you hurt yourself on the ice, you should not hesitate to get help because these injuries usually heal better with rest.
The R.I.C.E. approach, which involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is the easiest way to treat an injury. This method will lessen pain and swelling but may not be able to address the injury’s underlying cause. After around two days, if you’re still in pain, see a chiropractor who can determine what’s causing it and offer a suitable recovery strategy for your injury.
Chiropractic therapy can treat various wounds brought on by slipping on ice. Your chiropractor will work closely with you to reduce pain if that’s applicable, reduce muscle stiffness and soreness, and increase mobility in the affected areas. Throughout treatment, they will also encourage physical strength.
Can You Claim for Slipping On Ice?
If you were hurt after slipping and falling on snow or ice, you might be eligible to file a slip on ice claim if another person was at fault. For that, you will need to provide evidence that the person’s negligence led to your injuries.
If someone else’s negligence causes your significant injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and additional hospital and medical costs. This is particularly true if the injury necessitates ongoing medical treatment and severe discomfort.
To guarantee that you receive fair compensation, gather all the pertinent medical bills and other documentation, then contact a reputable personal injury lawyer.
Medical records are the best-documented proof to demonstrate to the court the degree of your injury. A thorough medical record review is paramount for establishing a strong legal case in slip on ice lawsuits.
You only have a finite amount of time to initiate a slip and fall lawsuit for injuries. Depending on where the slip and fall accident occurred, a statute of limitations may apply to when you can file a slip on ice lawsuit.
A significant injury suggests that the damage required longer to repair, like a brain injury, and that the average cost of medical care was higher, like surgery. Injured parties typically obtain greater slip and fall on ice settlements in these situations. Lower slip and fall injury compensation amounts are generally due to minor injuries like a sprained ankle and little medical care like physical therapy.
Who is Liable If I Slip on Ice?
Determining who is at fault in a slip and fall event is difficult. Determining liability in a slip on ice case depends on several factors and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
There are three parties you can hold accountable for a slip on ice injury, depending on the particulars of your case. These include:
- Property owners
When you slip on ice on private property, the first thing to consider is whether the fall was an accident or the property owner’s negligence was to blame. Imagine that the property owner failed to take reasonable precautions to remove the ice and snow, causing you to slip and fall. Under premises liability law, that is considered negligence on their part.
Property owners and managers owe a legal duty of care to protect their properties from dangers like slick surfaces brought on by snow and ice. According to premises liability law, the property owner is responsible for any losses, injuries, and damages.
Before opening to the public, the proprietors should clear the window areas, entrances, and exits. If the owner wants to use the parking lot, it should also be free of snow and ice.
- Business owners
Commercial property owners, like residential property owners, must ensure their establishments are secure for customers. However, in some retail locations, the owners might not be held liable if someone slips and falls. Depending on who is responsible for clearing snow per the lease agreement, liability in commercial firms may not lie with the owners.
- Local and state governments
If you slip on ice on public grounds, you might be eligible to file a lawsuit against the city or township where your injury occurred. Local and state governments are responsible for your injuries caused by their negligence.
Slip on Ice: Common FAQs
I slipped on ice and hurt my back. What will happen?
Slipping on ice and falling on your back can cause herniated disc degeneration, a lumbar strain, or a cervical sprain or strain.
What will I do if I suffer from hip pain after falling on ice?
Falling on ice can cause your hips to be out of alignment, which puts pressure on the nearby nerves and tissues and hinders the healing process. If you believe your hip may be broken, consult a doctor immediately. It might be bruised if you can move about with little discomfort. If so, you can take care of it yourself at home.
I slipped on ice at work. Can I claim?
You are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you slip and fall on ice at work. An employee may be entitled to compensation if the company owns where the slip and fall happened. To be eligible for workers’ compensation, the employee must have been performing job-related activities at the time of the injury.
How to avoid slipping on ice while driving?
“Ice and Snow, Take it Slow!”
Driving in the winter can be difficult, so you should make sure your car is prepared. Do not abruptly brake or accelerate if the car begins to slip and traction is lost. Steering heavily when sliding on ice is not advised.
What to put on ice burn?
The skin must be gradually warmed to its prior temperature in order to treat an ice burn.
Spend 20 minutes soaking the affected area in warm water. If necessary, repeat this procedure with a 20-minute rest in between each soak. Apply warm compresses or blankets in addition to the warm-water soaks.
Are slip and fall cases hard to win?
Slipping on ice lawsuits can be challenging to win, but you stand a chance with the proper legal team on your side.
How to Avoid Slipping On Ice and Snow?
Even when the weather creates some hazardous conditions, there are some things that you can manage. They are:
- If you know that surfaces will be covered with ice, stay inside unless it is absolutely necessary to go outside.
- Footwear is one of the best ways to avoid slipping on ice. They should be waterproof and have excellent traction in the snow.
- Never run on frozen ground; instead, move carefully. Walk like a penguin.
- Small patches of ice, or black ice, can be present on a path that appears to be clear. When walking, use caution and pay close attention to each step.
- Avoid bringing too many objects with you. Your body’s natural balance is disturbed by the extra weight, which increases your risk of suffering a serious slip on the ice.
To wrap things up,
Slipping on ice is a prevalent and often underestimated hazard, particularly during winter. But fear not, for we can conquer this slippery foe with proper footwear, a pinch of grit, and a dash of caution. Let’s spread the word, share the knowledge, and join hands to glide gracefully through the ice-capped months, keeping our feet firmly on the ground and our spirits high.
Remember, when winter invites us to its frosty ball, we must step carefully and avoid a cold tumble!
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1/5 What are the common causes of slip on ice accidents?
Slip on ice accidents typically occur due to icy and slippery surfaces, poor maintenance of walkways and public spaces, and inadequate footwear.#IceSafety #SlipOnIce #MedLegal360— MedLegal360.com (@medlegal360) May 6, 2023
