How Weather Conditions Contribute to Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Buffalo, NY, is one of the snowiest U.S. cities. The Queen City endures nearly 100 inches of snow annually. Buffalonians also face their fair share of ice and are forced to deal with an average of over 40 inches of rain each year.
These wet and wintry weather conditions are why so many slip-and-fall accidents occur in Buffalo. Hundreds of people sustain injuries after slipping and falling on slippery surfaces in Buffalo and other upstate New York cities, such as Albany and Niagara Falls.
After slip-and-fall accidents, lawyers can help victims take legal action against private property owners. You should look into your legal options if you suffered injuries during a recent slip-and-fall accident.
You should also know precisely how weather conditions contribute to slip-and-fall accidents. Find out below.
Adverse Weather Conditions That Cause Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Inclement weather has become so common in places like Buffalo, Albany, and Niagara Falls, NY, that many people don’t bat an eye when a torrential downpour or a strong snowstorm starts. They know how to handle these weather conditions.
However, these conditions may lead to slip-and-fall accidents. Here are examples of how adverse weather conditions might cause them:
- Rain may make some surfaces slippery, especially those made of tile or polished stone, causing people to slip and fall.
- Snow and ice might make sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces slippery, resulting in people slipping and falling.
- Snow and ice may cover potholes, uneven surfaces, and other hazards that could cause people to trip, slip, and fall.
If you’re ever forced to walk outside in upstate NY during a hard rainfall or a blizzard, be careful where you tread. One misstep could send you crashing to the ground.
What To Do If Weather Conditions Result in a Slip-and-Fall Accident
No matter how careful you are, weather conditions might still cause you to be involved in a slip-and-fall accident. All it takes is one wrong step to find yourself flat on your back, suffering from a serious injury.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you’re ever in a slip-and-fall accident caused by weather conditions. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s worth heading to a local hospital for a medical evaluation.
You should also:
- Document the scene of your slip-and-fall accident with your smartphone
- Save any medical records related to your slip-and-fall accident
- Consider taking legal action against a private property owner
After slip-and-fall accidents, lawyers can assist victims seeking slip-and-fall compensation from private property owners. As long as they show these owners didn’t do enough to maintain safe conditions, they may file successful slip-and-fall claims.
Proving Negligence After a Slip-and-Fall Accident Caused by Weather Conditions
Proving negligence on the part of a private property owner after a slip-and-fall accident on their sidewalk, driveway, parking lot, etc., isn’t always easy. However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from seeking a slip-and-fall settlement or judgment.
Hire legal representation to help determine liability and create a compelling case. Following slip-and-fall accidents, lawyers can often hold private property owners accountable for not taking the proper measures to ensure weather conditions don’t impact the safety of their properties.
A personal injury attorney from Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall, LLC, can provide a free case evaluation and extend helpful slip-and-fall legal advice.
After Slip-and-Fall Accidents, Lawyers From Our Law Firm Can Lend a Hand
Some slip-and-fall accidents only result in minor injuries, but others lead to more serious conditions, such as traumatic head injuries. After slip-and-fall accidents, lawyers from Cantor, Wolff, Nicastro & Hall, LLC, can help our clients file legal claims and collect the compensation they need to cover medical costs and other expenses.
Call 716-848-8000 or fill out this brief form to schedule a free case evaluation.