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Have you ever fallen on ice and then waved your arms to regain your balance? It is riskier than you think. Slipping on ice injuries include common sprains, strains, and severe fractures. In this blog, we’ll look into the aftermath of slipping on ice accidents and what to do when you slip and fall on ice.
Slip on Ice Accidents
The winter season brings frozen streets and roads to many parts of the nation. When thinking of winter-related injuries, many people think of car accidents and skiing-related injuries. But slipping on ice causes the most frequent and dangerous injuries.
The risk of slipping and falling on ice accidents increases when a person walks on snowy walkways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Snow and ice frequently build up on these types of surfaces, making people slip and injure themselves. Sadly, slipping on ice injuries can be dangerous and result in life-altering injuries.
Most of the Americans die from winter weather rather 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?
Black ice is one of the most dangerous forms known as clear ice. It is a thin layer of ice, which is extremely difficult to see. Black ice makes pavement visible, so many people fall over the surface.
Black ice causes car accidents frequently, but some of the worst accidents involve pedestrians who trip and fall on this invisible ice. Slipping on black ice can cause hip, knee, back, and head injuries.
Slip and Fall on Ice Injuries
Slipping on ice causes many injuries, and sometimes, these injuries can be fatal. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from sliding and falling on ice. Whiplash from falling on ice result causes many health issues because it causes the neck to lose its natural curve.
Common injuries due to slipping on ice or snow include:
Slipping on ice injuries can impact a person’s mobility, health, and overall well-being. Older adults and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable to these accidents because they have reduced mobility, balance, or bone strength.
If you experience any symptoms or pain following a slipping on ice accident, seeking the advice of a medical professional is important. Taking appropriate preventive steps and learning to handle icy weather conditions safely is important to minimize the risk of injuries due to slipping on ice during the winter.
What to do If You Slip on Ice?
If you slip on ice, the first and foremost step you have to take is to keep calm and assess the situation. Take some time to check for any slipping on ice injuries that have hurt you. Don’t try to make sudden movements that could worsen your condition.
- If you are in pain, immediately get medical care and make sure your injuries are recorded.
- Keep a witness list. Gather the names and contact information of any person who witnessed your fall.
- Take pictures as soon as possible. Ice can melt quickly; therefore, it is important to take pictures immediately.
- Reporting your ice-related slip and fall to the property manager is important.
- To know more about your legal options, contact a slip and fall attorney, and he will assist you throughout your case.
Treatment after slipping on ice injuries:
The extent and type of damage sustained from slipping on ice will determine the intensity of the treatment you need.
When you try to regain your position, your back is most likely to be injured by the wrenching and twisting you do. If you get hurt on ice or black ice, you should not hesitate to ask for help.
The R.I.C.E. method involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation, which is the easiest way to treat slipping on ice injuries. This method can lessen the swelling and pain of slipping on ice injuries but cannot identify the underlying cause. If you implement this method but are still in pain, see a chiropractor who can determine what’s causing it and offer a suitable treatment for your injury.
Chiropractic therapy can treat a variety of injuries brought on by slip on ice accidents. Your chiropractor will work 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 Injuries?
If another person was at fault, you may be eligible to file a claim after you slip on ice. For a slip on ice lawsuit, you will need to provide evidence that the person’s negligence led to your injuries.
If another person’s negligence causes your injury, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. This is true if the injury necessitates ongoing medical treatment and severe discomfort.
To receive fair compensation, you must collect all the pertinent medical bills and other documentation, then contact a skilled personal injury lawyer.
Medical records are the best-documented proof to demonstrate to the court the extent of your injuries. A thorough medical record review is paramount for establishing a strong legal case in slip on ice lawsuits.
If you are planning to file a slip and fall lawsuit for your injuries, you only have a finite amount of time. 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.
Slipping on ice injuries include brain injury and head injury, and the treatment cost is higher. Injured parties can obtain greater settlements in these types of situations. Low compensation amounts are given to minor injuries like sprained ankles, which are treated by physical therapy.
Who is Liable If I Slip on Ice?
Determining who is at fault in slip and fall accidents on ice is difficult. Determining liability in slipping on ice injury cases depends on several factors and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
You can hold three parties accountable for slipping on ice injuries, depending on the particulars of your case. These include:
- Property owners
If you slip and fall on private property, the first thing you have to notice is that the property owner’s negligence caused the accident. Imagine that a property owner failed to take enough precautions to remove the snow and ice, causing you to slip and fall; that is considered negligence on their part. This type of negligence comes under premises liability law.
Property owners must have a duty 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 that happen within their property.
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
Residential and commercial property owners must ensure their establishments are secure for customers. Sometimes, the owners might not be held accountable if someone slips and falls. The liability depends on who is responsible for clearing snow per the lease agreement with the commercial firms.
- 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 falling on ice 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?
Slipping and 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 as soon as possible. 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 the place 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 a vehicle in the winter may 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. Heavy steering when sliding on ice is not advised.
What should I put on an ice burn?
The skin must be gradually warmed to its prior temperature in order to treat an ice burn.
Spend 20 minutes soaking the injured area in warm water. The water’s temperature shouldn’t rise above 108 °F (42.2 °C) or fall below 104 °F (40 °C). 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 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 danger, particularly during the winter. But worry not; we can conquer this slippery ice with proper footwear and caution. Let’s spread this word, share the knowledge, and join hands to slide safely through the winter months, keeping our feet firmly on the ground and our spirits high.
Remember, we must step out carefully when winter comes and avoid slipping and falling on the ice!
