Frozen Nights In Charlotte Lead To Dangerous Situations
When most people think about accidents involving snow and ice, they think of vehicle accidents. However, slip and fall accidents are very common in the aftermath of a frozen night in Charlotte. As soon as the temperature dips a little bit below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, sidewalks and roadways began to freeze over. If snow flurries fall to the ground, they can be dangerous regardless of whether or not they melt. Often, fallen snow turns to solid ice quickly.
The Charlotte snow and ice lawyers at Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC regularly find that property owners are not prepared for cold days and nights. Property owners have a duty to ensure the safety of anybody who has a right to be on their premises. This includes maintaining any areas around the premises that could become slip and fall hazards due to the ice, including sidewalks, parking lots, and other pedestrian pathways.
Charlotte property owners must exercise reasonable care when it comes to keeping these areas free from snow and ice. While we do not expect property owners to be out in the middle of a snowstorm keeping pathways clear, they do need to assess the situation as soon as possible. This will include periodic inspection of the entire premises as well as the removal or remediation of snow and ice as soon as possible. If it is not possible to remedy snow or ice hazards right away, property owners need to put up adequate warning signs so that patrons understand the dangers.
Potential Consequences of a Charlotte Snow & Ice Accident
There are several potential injuries that one might sustain as a result of slipping on snow or ice, including:
● Fractures: A fall on snow or ice can cause fractures to bones, such as wrist fractures, ankle fractures, hip fractures, or even skull fractures.
● Sprains: A fall on snow or ice can cause sprains to ligaments, such as ankle sprains, knee sprains or wrist sprains.
● Dislocations: A fall on snow or ice can cause dislocations, such as shoulder dislocations, elbow dislocations or hip dislocations.
● Head injuries: A fall on snow or ice can cause head injuries, such as concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI) or skull fractures.
● Back and spinal cord injuries: A fall on snow or ice can cause back and spinal cord injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal fractures, or even paralysis.
● Soft tissue injuries: A fall on snow or ice can cause soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, contusions, or strains.
● Lacerations: A fall on snow or ice can cause lacerations, such as cuts or abrasions, which may need to be stitched.
It’s important to seek medical attention right away if you suspect that you have sustained any injuries from a fall on snow or ice, as some of these injuries may not be immediately apparent and can become worse if left untreated.
Additionally, if you plan on seeking financial compensation by filing a claim after being injured in a Charlotte snow and ice accident, you will need to establish a link between your accident and your injuries. If you fail to do so, an insurer could argue that you may have sustained your injuries in an unrelated incident.
This is another reason it’s important to see a doctor right away after being involved in a slip and fall or similar type of accident due to snow or ice on someone’s property. Be aware, it’s possible to sustain injuries without realizing it. In some instances, the symptoms of an injury aren’t noticeable until hours or even days after an accident.
Proving Negligence in a Charlotte Snow & Ice Accident
Gathering evidence of a property owner’s negligence after slipping on snow or ice can be important in order to build a case for a personal injury claim. Here are some steps you can take to gather evidence:
● Take photos and videos of the scene: Use your phone or camera to take photos and videos of the location where you fell, including the snow or ice that caused your fall, as well as any surrounding hazards such as poorly lit areas or uneven surfaces.
● Get contact information of any witnesses: If there were any witnesses to your fall, get their contact information so they can provide a statement or testimony if necessary.
● Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor or hospital right away to get checked out and treated for any injuries you may have sustained. Keep all medical records, including bills, diagnostic reports, and treatment notes.
● Keep a journal: Record your experiences and symptoms, including pain, discomfort, and any other symptoms you may have experienced.
● Document the property owner’s response: If you reported the accident to the property owner or management, document the response.
● Hire a premises liability lawyer: An attorney who specializes in Charlotte premises liability cases can help you gather evidence and build a strong case. They will also be able to advise you on how to best present your case and can help negotiate with the property owner or their insurance company.
Contact Our Snow And Ice Injury Lawyers Today
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to slip and fall conditions caused by snow or ice in Charlotte, contact Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC today. Often, these incidents are caused by the careless or negligent actions of property owners. We will investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This can include:
- Coverage of any medical bills caused by the incident
- Lost income if you are unable to work while you recover
- General household out-of-pocket you incur
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
When you need a snow and ice accident attorney in Charlotte, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.
