Personal Injury Attorney For Ice And Snow Slips

Slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk might be a case for a personal injury attorney. If you live in a cold, snowy climate, you're well aware of the hazards that a simple shopping trip in town can bring. There are ice-covered roads, sidewalks, and steps that can all send you flat on your back within a matter of moments if you aren't careful. While it's important to tread with caution, property owners have a certain level of responsibility regarding safety and are often required by law to maintain a clear path or parking lot. If you have been injured due to another person's negligence, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance as well as contact a qualified lawyer.

Each state has different laws regarding clearing ice and snow from property. In some cases, it is the owner's responsibility - but there are building owners and business owners. There may be a distinction made between which is ultimately accountable for any accidents on the premises. A business or shop can also be leased or rented by another individual, which might further complicate the matters. In some areas, it is the city that is liable for keeping the walkways deiced and salted for pedestrians. But regardless of who must take the blame, a claim must be filed by certain deadlines or risk being dismissed, leaving the injured party to pay for any medical treatment.

Proving snow and ice-related accidents is a very delicate matter, which requires assistance from an expert personal injury attorney. The laws are complex, and the victim may be working against powerful insurance companies. If you have been hurt due to a fall on another person's property, when possible, take a photograph of the location. Obtaining one immediately after the slip is even more helpful for your case (most cell phones come equipped with cameras). This will help illustrate the hazardous conditions and any neglect. Get medical help immediately, even if your symptoms or pain appears to be mild. You may have a more serious problem that won't fully develop until hours or even days later. The owner of the business may want to speak with you. It is okay to exchange basic information, but don't talk specifically about the accident, sign anything, or speak with their insurance company.

When choosing a personal injury attorney to represent your slip and fall case, seek someone who has recent experience with similar incidents involving failure to maintain a safe and accessible pathway. Unlike other slip and fall cases, those involving snow and ice have several possible extenuating circumstances such as the time of the fall, recent weather conditions, location of the property, and the owner. For example, it could not be expected for a path to be cleared of snow in the middle of the night immediately following a storm, or if the level of snow or ice was reasonable considering the recent weather patterns. To determine the validity of a case, it will be necessary to seek professional legal advice.