Slip and Fall Accidents During Ongoing Storms: Can I Sue?

 Posted on December 05, 2024 in Personal Injury

Illinois typically sees several snowfalls each winter. Although snow can be beautiful, it can also be deadly. Along with car accidents caused by snowy, icy roads, pedestrians are also at risk for injuries when walking on slick outdoor surfaces. Whether you are at a mall, restaurant, office, or government building, the party responsible for those properties has a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. During the winter, however, Illinois property owners and managers may have a loophole.

What is premises liability? Are slip and fall cases involving snow and ice hard to win? An experienced Champaign, IL lawyer from Kanoski Bresney can assess your eligibility and explain your legal options during your complimentary case review.

What Is Premises Liability?

Among other obligations to keep properties safe, property owners, business managers, organizations, and government entities should keep their premises clear of slip or trip hazards, such as:

• Uneven or broken flooring or pavement

• Unnatural accumulations of snow and ice

• Loose objects on public walkways

• Slick floors and walking surfaces

Adequate lighting should also be maintained so pedestrians can clearly see the surface they are walking on. When the responsible party’s failure to uphold their safety obligations results in an injury-producing accident, they may be liable for paying your damages. Common injuries include:

• Wrist, knee, and hip injuries

• Broken bones

• Head injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

Winter storms and precipitation accumulations present apparent hazards, but property owners may not be considered responsible in these cases. Premises liability cases can always be challenging, but when the ongoing storm doctrine applies, the complications increase. You need an effective attorney from Kanoski Bresney to handle your claim if you hope to secure maximum compensation.

What Liability Do Property Owners Have During Winter Storms?

While snow, sleet, and ice are falling, attempting to clear accumulations on outdoor walking surfaces may be considered unsafe, in which case property owners are not obligated to do so. Sidewalks and parking lots may have several inches of built-up precipitation, making them extremely hazardous to walk on. After a storm passes, the responsible party should clear these surfaces within a reasonable time to reduce the likelihood of pedestrians falling. Several factors come into play if you are injured in one of these falls, including:

• Whether an action taken by the responsible party increased the fall risk, such as clearing snow but leaving underlying ice

• Whether a pre-existing hazardous condition was made worse by the winter storm

• How soon after the storm passed your slip and fall accident occurred

Because some of the evidence will literally melt away, you should contact Kanoski Bresney as soon as possible after a winter slip and fall accident. We will investigate immediately, looking for evidence to support your claim.

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation With Our Dedicated Springfield, IL Premises Liability Lawyers

If you are injured in a winter slip and fall accident, there is no time to lose. Consult with one of the skilled Decatur, IL personal injury attorneys from Kanoski Bresney right away. Call 888-826-8682 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.