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Many people often look forward to the beauty and tranquility of snowfall during the winter season. For many individuals and families, this is often an incredible opportunity to stay inside and do nothing, take hot beverages, wear big sweaters and scarves, and enjoy the sunny escapes. However, there are several hidden dangers associated with ice, rain, and snowfall. These include wet and slippery surfaces, slip-and-fall accidents, and ice-related injuries.
Furthermore, due to the icy, wet, and slippery surfaces, a person can easily fall on ice and become hurt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one (1) million Americans are injured from falling on ice and snow every year. Unfortunately, these ice-related incidents can result in devastating physical injuries, emotional distress, reduced productivity or being unable to work, and a huge financial burden.
If you suffered a personal injury from falling on ice, knowing the next steps to take and your possible legal options is imperative to help manage your case diligently. In addition, victims of ice-related accidents may be eligible to apply for legal funding to get immediate funds they can use to pay medical bills and meet their basic needs before their case concludes. Continue reading to discover more.
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Common Causes of Ice-Related Falls
Ice-related falls remain a common winter weather hazard that usually occurs in areas that experience snowfall. Essentially, environmental factors, such as unseasonably cold temperatures, light snowfall, poor drainage, melting and freezing, and wind and rain, are often responsible for these ice-related falls. Nonetheless, there are certain human factors that may contribute to it. These include:
- Inadequate snow and ice removal
- Poorly maintained sidewalks and walkways
- Lack of warning signs
- Distracted walking or rushing
- Wearing inappropriate footwear
- Failure to use handrails
- Taking shortcuts
- Ignoring weather warnings
- Overconfidence or negligence when navigating icy surfaces.
- Intoxication or drug use.
Moreover, having a pre-existing injury, mobility limitation, or old age can increase your possibility of slipping and falling on ice. Nevertheless, the property owner or government agency has a responsibility to clear the ice and make the area reasonably safe for people to use.
Property Owner’s Legal Duty of Care
As a homeowner or business owner, you have the legal duty of care to make your premises reasonably safe for visitors and customers who are lawfully on the property. This may require:
- Clearing all driveways, sidewalks, and walkways of ice and snow.
- Shoveling and applying de-icing salt or ice melt to areas where ice and snow usually accumulate.
- Inspecting your property for damages, such as broken rails, pavement cracks, and fallen trees, caused by the ice fall.
- Reporting any fallen power lines or other dangerous conditions on your property to the appropriate authorities.
Alternatively, you must warn guests about a possibly hazardous or icy area on the premises. In the event that a person suffers an ice-related injury due to unsafe, dangerous, or hazardous conditions on the premises, the property owner may be held responsible.
What to Do if You Slip and Fall on Ice?
Falling on ice can be a devastating experience and may result in minor or severe injuries. If you slip and fall on ice, you should take the following steps, where possible:
Immediately After Falling on Ice:
- Remain calm and get to safety.
- Examine the magnitude of your injuries.
- Take pictures of the scene of the fall or icy area.
- Gather contact information of eyewitnesses. You can also collect witness testimonies and statements.
Within 24-48 Hours After the Fall:
- Get medical treatment from a qualified physician.
- Report the ice-related fall to the property owner, business owner, or government agency (if it happened in a public area).
- Document your personal account of the fall and other evidence related to the incident.
- Follow up with your recommended treatment plan.
- Retain a skilled personal injury attorney to help file your claims and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance provider or property owner.
- Do not discuss the incident with any other person apart from your lawyer and doctor.
Essentially, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side is crucial to protect your best interests. However, if you’re unable to reach a feasible agreement with the property owner, your attorney can explore your possible legal options and determine whether to file a lawsuit.
Furthermore, settling a personal injury lawsuit involving an ice-related fall or injury can take an extended period. If you need money right now to pay for your medical bills and other expenses before your case is resolved, taking out a lawsuit loan may be right for you.
Getting Legal Funding for Ice-Related Falls
If you have an ongoing personal injury claim or lawsuit for an ice-related fall, you can apply for our affordable lawsuit loans. Follow the steps below to apply for risk-free settlement funding:
Fill Your Form: Visit our website to fill out your forms, provide your personal information, and apply for legal funding.
Provide Vital Case Details: Provide crucial details and necessary information regarding your ice-related fall case.
Provide Your Lawyer’s Contacts: Also, you need to provide the contact information of your legal counsel or the law firm handling your case.
We Meet with Your Lawyer: Our trusted team will reach out to your attorney to discuss your case details and your prospects of a favorable judgment. In addition, we will determine the amount of financial compensation you’re likely to receive.
You Wait for Approval: Our lawsuit loan experts will carefully review your application and decide whether you’re eligible. If you’re approved for our settlement loan, you will get your cash advance within 24 hours or less.
Generally, applying for our lawsuit loans is easy and straightforward. Also, you won’t have to pay back the settlement loan with your personal finances. Rather, you will only repay from a percentage of your settlement award upon winning your case.
Apply for Our Risk-Free Lawsuit Loan Today!
Taking out legal funding can get you the immediate cash advance you need after falling on ice and before your case settles. Contact us today at High Rise Financial to learn more about our non-recourse lawsuit funding options. Our dedicated representatives can assist with your legal funding application and help you navigate key decisions.