Accidents could happen at any time, but winter may bring greater risks as snow, freezing rain and icy conditions in Indiana open the door to slip-and-fall accidents. The elements, however, are not the only source of hazardous conditions. Sometimes, a person’s negligence could contribute to increased risk.
Snow and slip-and-fall accidents
Taking additional precautions when the weather creates icy surfaces is a worthwhile step. Boots with added traction can help, and so does walking only on cleared areas. What happens when the area is too dark to see where it’s safe to walk? If the location is a mini-mall parking lot, then maybe the property owners are negligent for not properly lighting the area.
Some rules exist that place requirements on commercial properties to increase safety. Regulations requiring clearing away snow and ice after a certain amount of time establish a window for someone to act. Failing to do so might lead to liabilities.
Clearing away snow and ice involves doing the job correctly; haphazardly shoveling snow doesn’t likely reflect attention to safety. In addition, it’s important to consider where the snow piles are going. Eliminating one trip hazard and creating a second one might increase the odds of a pedestrian suffering an injury.
Property owners also need to be aware of water dripping from roofs. If the water landed on the sidewalk and froze, did someone take steps to address the situation?
Slips, falls and third-party troubles
Sometimes, the property owner may not be the individual responsible for injuries. Professional services offer assistance with clearing away snow and ice. Doing so improperly and leaving slippery patches reflects potential negligence on their part.
Not all slip-and-fall accidents are minor ones. One reason for preventing hazards involves the chances of spinal or brain injuries from a sharp fall. If a person is injured in a winter weather-related accident, contacting an attorney may be a necessary step.
