With a major winter storm on the move up the Eastern seaboard headed for New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, snow-covered, icy sidewalks, steps and walkways will require extra care and attention from property owners to prevent accidents. Slip and fall injuries can be serious and cause the need for extensive medical treatment. Property owners, landlords and municipalities alike have a legal responsibility to shovel sidewalks, plow streets and salt walkways and steps. In this blog post, we’ll review what to do if you fall on ice at your apartment complex.
Who Is Responsible for Snow and Ice Removal?
In cold weather climates like Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, snow and ice can build up and cause significant dangers on sidewalks and parking lots in apartment buildings. Poor maintenance practices after a storm or when ice builds up in freezing weather can lead to injuries when victims slip and fall resulting in serious injuries.
Under premises liability law, property owners are obligated to provide a safe walkway for people who are visiting their property, regardless of weather conditions. This also includes publicly-owned sidewalks adjacent to or in front of the property. Commercial property owners, like those who own apartment complexes, not only have a responsibility to provide a safe walkway but they also could be held liable for injuries occurring from a slip-and-fall accident.
The theory behind the law is that the apartment complex benefits financially from its residents, their guests and others on the property. If you fell on ice at your apartment complex, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages.
Compensation Available in an Injury Claim
In a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you will also account for your damages to compensate for your losses. Compensation covers a victims’ injuries for both economic (monetary) and non-monetary losses such as:
- Medical expenses including hospital and doctor bills, rehabilitation, medication and other expenses related to the treatment of the injury
- Non-medical expenses because of the accident or injury, from medical devices to transportation to medical appointments;
- Lost income, both past and future,;
- The victim’s pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life resulting from the injuries
All cases are unique, and the value of your claim will depend on the facts and circumstances involved. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will pursue the maximum compensation possible for all damages resulting from the injury.
What to Do After a Falling on Ice at Your Apartment Complex
After a fall on ice, make sure to follow these four tips:
Seek Medical Attention
After you fall, your top priority should be to take care of yourself and seek medical care. Many injuries from a fall may be slow to present themselves. Even if your symptoms appear a few days after your fall, make sure to get medical attention. Not only does medical care start the healing process but also provides documentation of your injuries.
Document Everything You Can
If possible, take photos of the area surrounding your fall accident. If any bystanders may have witnessed what happened, make sure to get their contact information. If you do not have access to a camera, write down as many details as possible. If you are too injured to document the scene, don’t worry.
Take Pictures of Your Injuries
Every detail surrounding your fall accident is essential, but your injuries are the most significant part. Documenting what you're experiencing can help your personal injury lawyer build a strong case on your behalf. Make sure you document how your body looks after your fall accident, including any bruising or other injuries that you feel are significant.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
You should contact a personal injury lawyer if you've been injured in a fall on ice at an apartment complex. They know what to do right after the accident occurs and can help to protect your rights as a fall victim.
In addition, personal injury lawyers have the experience necessary to navigate the legal waters that come along with an accident like this one, so it's essential to have one on your side.
Contact Us for Help Today
If you’ve been injured on a snowy or icy sidewalk due to the property owner’s negligence, you should consider discussing your case with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Brandon J Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in compassion and empathy and want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation. With our proven track record of success, we can get you the justice you deserve.