Slip and fall accidents in Montana increase during the winter months as more rain, ice, and snow move into the picture. For all property owners, this means taking extra measures to safeguard areas and reduce the risks to visitors.
There is no way to eliminate all risks, especially in Montana, where winter and wet weather can last half the year. However, taking a few extra precautions could reduce some risks and prevent unnecessary injuries. Talk to a Butte slip and fall attorney today.
Simple Steps to Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
Whether you are a property owner or someone who must embrace the cold to go through the day, you can do several simple things that may reduce the risk of slipping and falling this winter. Here is some insight to get you started:
- Footwear matters. Choose footwear with good traction to minimize slipping.
- Use and maintain designated walkways. Cutting through the yard or over the top of piles of snow does not make it safe. Instead, ensure there is a clear, maintained path from the parking area to the door. Then, use that.
- Take your time. Those walking in dangerous conditions are less likely to suffer injury if they take their time. Running or rushing can increase the risk of slipping on ice and falling.
- Provide warnings to those using the property. In situations where the weather risks worsening or you simply cannot remove all of the risks, ensure adequate warning signs are in place to caution people to slow down.
- Monitor for black ice or clear ice that is hard to see. The surface may look wet, but it may be icy instead, increasing the risk of falling.
- Keep clutter at bay. Remove anything in the walking path through winter weather to the door. Tripping over a snow shovel, for example, can worsen injuries.
- Ensure dry mats are available as much as possible. Place floor mats inside the structure and try to keep them maintained. This is also an area where a wet floor sign becomes a concern.
Victims of slip and fall cases must demonstrate that the property owner knew there was a risk and did not do enough to warn them or otherwise prevent injury. During winter weather, that is much more challenging to prove than you may expect.
What to Do If You Are Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident During the Winter
After getting medical care, try to document what happened to you as clearly as possible. Take photos and videos of the surrounding area. Document what you remember before or during the accident. Then, contact our legal team.
Slip and fall cases resulting in medical emergencies can change the course of a person’s life. Let our Butte personal injury attorneys at Everett Cook Law fight for you to recover the damages owed to you. The key to remember here is that a simple slip and fall accident could lead to complicated recovery steps, limitations on your full recovery, and implications on your health and well-being.
As a property owner, you have a duty to protect visitors as best you can. Montana’s winter weather does not make that easy to do. Yet, for victims, it is critical. For those hurt by a slip and fall in winter weather conditions, set up a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.