When snow blankets the ground, it can create a deceptively picturesque landscape. However, snow often conceals a significant hazard: hidden layers of ice. This combination is one of the leading causes of slip-and-fall injuries during the winter months.
Why Is Ice Under Snow So Dangerous?
- Invisible Hazard
- Snow disguises the ice underneath, making it nearly impossible to detect until it’s too late.
- Pedestrians and drivers often misjudge their footing or tire traction, leading to unexpected slips or crashes.
- Reduced Traction
- Ice is inherently slippery, and snow on top provides no grip, creating the perfect environment for accidents.
- Shoes or tires that work on snow may fail entirely when encountering the smooth surface of ice.
- False Sense of Security
- People often assume that walking on fresh snow is safe because it feels soft underfoot. However, the unseen ice layer beneath can cause sudden falls.
- Rapid Formation of Black Ice
- Snow can melt slightly during the day and refreeze at night, forming thin, nearly invisible black ice beneath the snow.
Common Situations Where Hidden Ice Causes Accidents
- Sidewalks and Driveways: Snow-covered walkways may hide ice patches caused by water runoff or previous melting and freezing cycles.
- Parking Lots: Uneven surfaces make snow and ice accumulation unpredictable, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Streets and Crosswalks: Pedestrians navigating snow-covered crosswalks are at risk of slipping on underlying ice.
- Steps and Ramps: Snow-covered stairs can mask dangerous icy surfaces, leading to falls that may result in severe injuries.
If you’ve been seriously injured in such an accident, especially due to someone else’s negligence, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself, secure proper care, and find the right legal help.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Medical Care
After falling on ice, seek medical attention immediately—even if your injuries don’t seem severe at first.
- Document Your Injuries: Ensure that your doctor records all injuries, treatments, and potential long-term impacts in your medical records.
- Follow Medical Advice: Attend follow-up appointments and adhere to your prescribed treatments, including physical therapy or surgery if needed.
- Save Medical Records and Bills: These documents will be essential for any legal claim you pursue.
Step 2: Document the Scene of the Accident
Evidence is crucial in slip-and-fall cases. After ensuring your safety, take the following steps:
- Photograph the Hazard: Take clear photos of the icy area, including the surrounding environment. Document conditions such as poor lighting, lack of warning signs, or snow piles obstructing pathways.
- Identify Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who saw the fall or knows about the hazardous conditions.
- Note the Property Owner: Determine who is responsible for maintaining the area—whether it’s a homeowner, landlord, business, or municipality.
Step 3: Understand Property Owner Responsibilities
Property owners and managers are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. They must:
- Promptly Clear Ice and Snow: Remove hazards within a reasonable timeframe after snowfall or freezing conditions.
- Provide Warnings: Place signage to alert people of slippery areas.
- Inspect Regularly: Conduct routine checks to identify and address unsafe conditions.
Failure to fulfill these duties may constitute negligence, making the property owner liable for your injuries.
Step 4: Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Proving negligence in a slip-and-fall case can be challenging. You need a legal advocate who understands the complexities of Pennsylvania law and will fight for your rights. That’s where Washington & Washington comes in.
Don’t let negligence leave you out in the cold. Let Washington & Washington fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
No fees unless we win.
Toll free at 1-800-988-0158.