Dangers of Slipping on a Poorly Maintained Icy Sidewalk

While certainly beautiful, the winter landscape can definitely be a hazardous environment. With all the snow and sleet cascading onto the houses, trees, and ground, you can guarantee to run into problems associated with slippery sidewalks. Obviously, building owners are required to maintain the proper setting for pedestrians, but, at times, these individuals can be negligent.

As a result of negligent behavior and bad weather conditions, you may suffer a severe injury after falling on poorly maintained, icy sidewalks or alleyways. With the help of a professional attorney specializing in personal injury cases in Delaware, you will have a definitive legal argument on your hands.

SOME RISKS OF WINTER WEATHER

Before we begin, let’s take a closer look at some of the problems associated with winter weather.

Based on reports from the Health and Safety Executive in the UK, winter weather can trigger a variety of issues ranging from environmental factors such as snow and ice to maintenance problems like gritting and poor lighting. Here is a closer look at some common causes of pedestrian accidents during the winter:

• Ice and snow: Building caretakers and superintendents are required to set a plan in motion to keep pedestrians and (in the case of an apartment) tenants safe. For example, these supervisors must put salt on the sidewalk and monitor outdoor temperatures to ensure an accident does not take place.
• Rainwater: In the event that frozen rain falls, building owners typically place “slip resistant” materials on the ground to make sure pedestrians don’t fall. In fact, in the case of frozen rainwater, a majority of accidents take place near the entrances of the buildings.
• Wet leaves and grit: Factors like crumbled, decaying leaves and clumps of gravel and asphalt can only make ice and snow worse.
• Bad lighting: One of the most important elements of keeping people safe is lighting. After all, if the building’s porch or entrance (even the sidewalk) is not properly lighted, pedestrians may not see the ice and can potentially slip.

DANGERS TO PEDESTRIANS  

Based on a report from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, winter time can be a hazardous time for pedestrians who are forced to walk home from work. Overall, city representatives are responsible for implementing safety procedures for winter weather problems like ice and snow. Clearing roadways and laying down salt is beneficial to drivers, but men and women who choose to travel on foot also need supervision and care.

SCARES FOR SENIORS

As expected, one group that can suffer from the highest rate of injury during the winter is seniors. As the National Institute on Aging reports, older adults tend to suffer from a wide variety of health problems (including confusion and weak bones) which can potentially lead to disasters. Now, add snow, frost, and black ice to the mix, and you can see why the situation can get so tricky. For more information about preventing falls among this age group, learn about the institute’s guidelines for preventing falls.  

YOUR LEGAL SOLUTION

If you or a loved one has fallen on the ice and been injured as a direct result of neglect, contact Edelstein, Martin, & Nelson today. Our team of professional attorneys are passionate about our practice and are fully knowledgeable in the laws, rules, and statutes surrounding unfortunate incidences and accidents throughout the State of Delaware. We fight for the rights of each victim and their closest family members and will help them receive the justice they more than deserve. For legal advice and representation, contact our office today at 800-300-0909 to file your claim.