How to Avoid a Slip and Fall in Winter Weather

We can’t always avoid traveling in winter weather, so at some point you will encounter ice- and snow-covered areas that increase your chances of slipping and falling.

A slip and fall accident could result in:

  • broken bones;
  • sprains;
  • cuts;
  • head injuries; and
  • spinal cord injuries.

Therefore, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself against injury in icy and snowy conditions.

Keeping Your Feet on the Ground

To prevent a slip and fall:

  • Give yourself enough time to get to your destination. You know that Denver can have rough weather that involves a lot of ice and snow; rushing over ice- and snow-covered surfaces can increase your chances of a slip and fall. Allow yourself plenty of time so you’re not rushing.
  • Wear weather-appropriate shoes with good traction. Soles made of rubber or neoprene offer better traction than leather or plastic ones. Think of rough soles as a positive, and avoid wearing heels in dangerous winter conditions.
  • Bend forward a bit and shuffle your feet if you must walk on a slippery surface, though it’s obviously best to avoid an icy or wet surface if you can.
  • Be careful entering or exiting your car, as many slip and falls occur at this time. Hold on to the car if needed.
  • Keep in mind that ice lurks under fresh snow and in shaded areas where it’s guarded from the sun. Be careful when walking in these areas.

Liability: An Icy, Unfriendly Terrain

If you are on someone else’s property and injured in a slip and fall, you may be able to collect damages under Colorado State Code 13-21-115, which covers property owner liability. To do so, you must prove the property owner acted with negligence by not providing a reasonable expectation of safety.

No matter how serious your injuries, this is hard to prove and shows why you need a lawyer. For instance, if you were injured after a storm by falling on an icy sidewalk, you must prove the property owner had enough time to remove the ice.

Furthermore, your own contribution to the accident will be called into question. Colorado is a state that reduces your damages according to the amount of fault you contributed. So if you are 35 percent at fault, your damages will be reduced by 35 percent. If you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault, you won’t get any damages.

D.J. Banovitz Helps Slip and Fall Victims in Denver

A lawyer can help protect your interests by helping prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you or assigning an unfair percentage of fault to you. Denver lawyer D.J. Banovitz provides free legal consultations. Take advantage by calling 303-300-5060 or contact us online to discuss the details of your slip and fall and your options for recovering compensation.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.