Winter weather like snow and ice is a regular part of living in Connecticut. As Hartford residents prepare for the holidays, they may also have to contend with slippery sidewalks and snow-covered roads. Chances of injuries can increase as weather conditions deteriorate.
One form of personal injury that can happen in the winter is the slip-and-fall accident. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord damage. This post does not diagnose any medical problems or offer any legal advice. It discusses how slip-and-fall accidents may form the grounds for personal injury lawsuits.
Slip-and-fall accidents and premises liability
Slip-and-fall accidents are property-based accidents. They can occur on private or public property. When a property owner fails to keep their property safe for visitors, they can be held liable for the harm victims suffer.
Negligence on the part of property owners can lead to premises liability claims. A property owner’s duty to act reasonably with regard to the maintenance and care of their property can be breached and leave dangerous apparent and hidden conditions in their homes and on the land. The failure to remedy those conditions, or provide warnings about them, can result in liability. This can happen, for example, when a property owner knows that their exterior steps are covered in ice and does nothing to fix it.
Addressing property-based slip-and-fall accidents
Not every winter slip-and-fall accident will give a victim options to sue for their losses and personal injuries. Those that result from negligence may, however, provide avenues through the law to compensation for damages. It is important that victims know and understand their rights and options when they suffer winter weather-related slip-and-fall accidents. Attorneys who work in the personal injury field of law can advise and support them through their potential claims.
