What can you do to prevent a slip and fall in icy weather?

What can you do to prevent a slip and fall in icy weather?

On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | Jan, 20, 2022 | Personal Injury Law

The holidays may be over, but winter still has many weeks to go. As unpredictable as British Columbia weather can be, it is best to be prepared for any possibility. This includes keeping your pantry well stocked, your vehicle in good working order and your emergency options open. However, even these proactive steps might not be enough if you encounter an icy sidewalk or untreated parking lot while you are out walking.

Even if you are only taking a few steps from your vehicle to the store, it only takes a small patch of ice or a wet floor to send you sprawling. Not only is your dignity at risk, but more importantly, you could suffer serious injuries that will leave you with pain and struggles, perhaps for years to come. Taking precautions to avoid slips and falls may spare you this suffering.

A fall on the ice is nothing to joke about

There are certain places where you are more susceptible to a slip or fall when the weather has been bad. When you first step out of your car, when you are walking on an incline or decline, or when you step into a building with smooth floors, you may not be prepared for slippery conditions that could lead to a fall. Employees or other customers may track snow and ice into the building, leaving stairways, bathrooms and corridors with slick spots.

A slip-and-fall accident can be a violent one, and even if you are not seriously hurt, you will likely end up with some bruises, cuts and scrapes, or sore muscles. However, it is not unusual for such a hard fall to result in serious injuries that might require emergency treatment and perhaps hospitalization, including the following:

  • A broken arm or leg
  • Cracked ribs
  • Internal injuries
  • Spinal injury
  • Head injury

Ideally, the owner or manager of the business will take the proper steps to ensure your walk into and around the building is a safe one. Of course, you will want to make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear with good tread and using every precaution, such as employing handrails and walking slowly and cautiously. Nevertheless, even your best efforts may not be enough if a property owner or manager does not meet his or her duty to provide a safe environment for you and others.

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