Slippery Situations Caused by Winter Weather

The information in this blog post has not been updated to accurately reflect the current trends and information related to this topic. Should you require legal advice, please contact a personal injury lawyer or certified professional for additional information and resources. 

“Be Nice, Clear Your Ice” is the famed statement made by Canadian cartoonist Ben Wicks, and for good reason.  A slip and fall on a slick surface during winter can have serious repercussions. 

Slips and trips can result in injury and long-term health consequences. 

Resulting injuries can include: head injuries (causing brain damage that can contribute to memory, cognitive, behavioral, and mobility problems), back, neck and spine injuries (than can result in chronic pain and may require surgery), and torn tendons and ligaments (which lead to lifelong physical pain and may also require surgery). For the elderly in particular, a bad slip and fall may even result in death.

What causes slips, trips, and falls?

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common forms of personal injury in Ontario caused by a number of different factors, one of which is seasonal.  Frosty weather conditions can make sidewalks, walkways and driveways dangerous if not cleared. Icy build-up can lead to the potential for personal injury if someone slips and falls.  The potential for injury is increased at night when property owners may not have yet had an opportunity to clear and salt walkways or roadways.

How to minimize the risk of a slip and fall injury:

The best defence against a slip and fall injury is preparation and planning.  Here are some tips to help minimize risks in a slippery situation:

• Give yourself extra time, at least fifteen minutes more in order to prepare for heading out the door in the morning. Running late and being in a frazzled state can cause you to miss an icy patch and increase your chances of a fall.
• Gear up with the proper attire which includes weather-appropriate foot ware. While waterproof, well-insulated boots with thick tread soles may not be fashion-forward, they will greatly reduce your chances of slipping.
• Literally, tread lightly and don’t freeze up with panic at the sight of ice. Tensing up will only make the hurdle greater. The best thing to do is slow down, take a deep breath and take the proper stance. Relax your shoulders and keep your feet apart, and keep your knees slightly bent and loose to maintain your balance. Keep your steps small and steady and you should be able to cross that icy path.
• Exercise your best discretion. If it isn’t absolutely necessary to be trekking out in icy conditions then remain indoors where you diminish the potential for being harmed

While a slip and fall can be instantaneous the impact can be life-altering.  Recovery and rehabilitation can be long, painful, and ongoing. If you, or someone you know, has sustained personal injury as the result of an extreme weather situation contact The Morris Law Group for assistance.  We are available to discuss your legal rights and options.

Contact the lawyers at The Morris Law Group

Contact The Morris Law Group for a free no-obligation consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers. We have been practising personal injury law in Hamilton and the Golden Horseshoe for over 60 years. We ensure that your rights are preserved and that you receive the personal attention you deserve. At our law firm, we work on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay until your case settles.

All personal injury firms will work to get you the best settlement, but only at The Morris Law Group will you get the care and support you need at such a difficult time. Contact us today.