With the Winter now upon us, and the inclement weather it brings, we all need to be careful where walk as the precipitation and low temperatures can be treacherous. Unfortunately, we ALL have slipped and fallen on snow and ice. If you slip, you might wonder if the owner of the property where you fell is responsible for your personal injury or your medical bills. The answer is that a property may be responsible depending upon a host of factors including whether the property is residential or commercial; whether the owner allowed an unreasonable amount of snow and ice to accumulate; whether warning signs were posted; whether you were paying attention while walking; and whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of the property. If you have the misfortune of slipping on ice, it is imperative that you immediately do a few things to preserve your right to pursue a claim against the property owner. First, use your cell phone to take a picture of the precise location of the slip and fall. Do not delay as the thawing nature of snow and ice will alter the condition of the location of the fall as quickly as moments after the fall. Second, get the address of the property where you slipped. If you cannot obtain the address, take pictures of the buildings, vehicles and other things in the vicinity. Third, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Once you are feeling better, call us or go to our website so that we can discuss your potential claim and your legal rights.
Scott M. Wilhelm, Esq.
WARNING: THIS IS A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF LAW AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE. FOR ANY LEGAL QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AND SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY. IF YOU ARE SEEKING TO MODIFY A CUSTODY ORDER OR PARENTING TIME, CONTACT US.
