Slip and Fall on Ice: Who is Liable?

When you visit someone’s property, you trust them to provide a safe environment free of hazards that could cause injury. Unfortunately, unsuspecting patrons can be injured when owners neglect routine maintenance or fail to make repairs promptly.

Managing ice accumulation is one of the biggest challenges businesses face during the colder months in Colorado. A slip and fall on ice is a typical winter accident, and the resulting injuries can be significant, ranging from sprains and bruises to broken bones and even head trauma.

Colorado law allows victims to hold property owners accountable for their negligence under the doctrine of premises liability. If you’re injured because a business owner fails to take reasonable steps to maintain a safe environment, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Here at Gerash Steiner, P.C., we understand the complexities of these cases. We can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free and confidential case evaluation.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible for injuries sustained by visitors on their property due to unsafe conditions. Suppose you’re lawfully on someone else’s property, such as a store or restaurant, and you’re injured because of a hazard they knew about or should have known about. You may be able to file a claim against them. One such example is a slip and fall on ice in a store or parking lot.

Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident on Ice?

While navigating icy sidewalks and parking lots can be treacherous for everyone, the responsibility for keeping these areas safe typically falls on the property or business owner. They have the legal duty to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. Typically, this requires taking proactive steps to remove snow and ice and warn patrons of potential hazards. As a result, they are usually the ones named as defendants in a slip and fall on ice lawsuit.

Maintenance companies or landscapers hired to keep the premises free of snow or ice may also be liable if they fail to warn of or remove ice.

What to Do If You Slip and Fall on Ice?

A slip and fall on ice can be a frightening and disorienting experience. Here’s what to do if it happens to you:

• Seek medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Even if you think your injuries are minor, get checked out by a doctor to ensure no hidden injuries exist.
• Report the incident. Inform the property owner or manager about your fall. This notification creates a record of the accident.
• Document the scene. Take pictures of the icy patch that caused your fall. Also note the date, time, and weather conditions.
• Consult with a legal professional. Premises liability laws can be challenging to navigate alone. Hire a legal professional to assist you in pursuing your claim.

At Gerash Steiner, P.C., we can help you understand your legal rights and explore potential compensation options.

Consult an Experienced and Compassionate Attorney Today

Recovering from a slip and fall accident, especially if you sustained severe injuries, can be a long and challenging road. Medical bills can pile up quickly, and lost wages can add significant financial strain. Working with Gerash Steiner, P.C. can help relieve some of the burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Eric Steiner is a licensed attorney and a medical doctor with almost two decades of experience. This combination of education and experience places him in a unique position to examine your injuries and calculate your damages because he understands the effect your injuries will have on your daily life. 

He will assess your case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of someone else’s negligence. Contact us today to discuss your options and take the first step towards recovery.