What are my chances of being injured in a fall on snow or ice?

Connecticut sees its fair share of blustery winter storms, and most residents have experience handling inclement winter weather with grace. Unfortunately, snowfall, sleet and freezing conditions after snow melts can all make going outside after a winter storm quite dangerous.

People walking down the sidewalk or headed into a grocery store could slip on ice or snow and fall, potentially suffering serious injuries. Property owners in Connecticut typically have an obligation to remove snow and ice accumulation to protect visitors or those using their sidewalks. How common is it for people to get hurt because they slip on ice and snow?

Winter weather hurts many people every year

When people think about the risks associated with the winter, they may think of collisions that occur on icy roads or the risks experienced by unhoused individuals when temperatures drop dangerously low. Fewer people think about the everyday risks that stem from just walking their dog or running errands.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly a million people every year get hurt when they slip and fall on icy or snowy surfaces. Some of those people will suffer significant injuries, like brain injuries or broken bones. Adults over the age of 65 are at particularly high risk for a fracture if they slip and fall because of frozen precipitation.

What protects you after a slip-and-fall accident?

The duties of property owners to the public include addressing known risk factors, like snow and ice accumulation. Property owners and businesses should act in a timely manner to remove snow or melt ice on sidewalks and parking lots.

People hurt while visiting a business or walking past someone else’s property may be able to make an insurance claim. Both business liability policies and homeowner’s insurance policies will cover slip-and-fall incidents.

Other times, a civil lawsuit may be necessary, especially if someone suffers a life-altering injury, like a moderate to severe brain injury. Insurance coverage may not be enough to compensate you for both medical care and lost wages.

Learning more about premises liability could help you assert your rights if you slip on snow and ice left behind by an irresponsible property owner.