Niagara Falls, New York, Snow And Ice Slip And Fall Accident Lawyers

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Acclaimed as an American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year and Best Lawyer of America, and His Team of Unyielding, Tenacious, and Hardworking Lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Celebrated as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Fight to Secure the Highest Compensation for Victims Injured in Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow and Ice in Niagara Falls, New York, Throughout Niagara County, and Beyond.

Heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures can hit Western New York as early as November and linger up until April. Each year, during the 6-7 months of cold and winter weather, Niagara Falls averages 78 inches of snow. The accumulation of ice, snow, or slush on sidewalks, streets, parking lots, and building entrances can result in extremely slick conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), snow and ice are common causes of slip and fall accidents. Consequently, walking outside is much more dangerous for people in Niagara Falls, New York, and other areas throughout Niagara County during the brutal winter months. Victims can easily slip and fall hard on these slick surfaces and sustain devastating injuries.

Falls are 1 of only 3 causes that are in the top 10 for both preventable injuries and deaths throughout the United States. Although just about everyone will fall at some point in their lifetime, falls involving ice or snow tend to be some of the most severe, especially for the elderly. This is due to the combination of momentum involved with slipping and the force from hitting a hard surface. Consequently, when victims slip on ice or snow and hit the ground, they are often left with crushing injuries, costly hospital bills, extensive missed time from work, extreme pain, physical impairments, and even life-altering disabilities. Victims carry the burden of proof in wintertime slip and fall accidents. Although proving liability in slip and fall cases, especially ones involving ice or snow, is not always easy, our seasoned attorneys have decades of practice in formulating highly successful personal injury lawsuits.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Niagara Falls, New York, personal injury lawyers are honored to fight for victims who were injured in slip and fall accidents on ice or snow. All business owners must maintain their premises in reasonably safe manners and remedy all snow and ice hazards within a reasonable time. At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our Niagara County personal injury lawyers go to great lengths to win cases. Jed Dietrich, Esq. will passionately fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your wintertime slip and fall claim, which may include money for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, diminished future earning capacity, permanent disabilities, loss of enjoyment, and all other unfavorable consequences. Please contact our top rated team now and request a complimentary case review. Our zealous attorneys are available 24/7 at (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.

As previously mentioned, the trifecta of freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can produce some of the slipperiest walking surfaces. Both locals and visitors are forced to contend with treacherous conditions both outside and inside shopping malls, offices, grocery stores, and other buildings. Unfortunately, many individuals fail to spot ice-related hazards until it is already too late. For example, a store owner may shovel all the snow off a walkway only to expose a large patch of ice underneath it.

All too often, temperatures warm up during the day and melt the snow. However, when the temperatures drop at night, the melted snow can freeze and transform into ice. When victims unexpectedly walk on ice or snow, they can fall and strike the pavement hard. Slipping and falling on ice or snow can be much more injurious than you may think. Depending on the nature of the fall and how the victim landed, he or she can suffer grievous injuries. Some typical wintertime slip and fall injuries include:

1. Severe strains and sprains;
2. Grave soft tissue injuries;
3. Fractured bones, particularly broken hands, wrists, and arms;
4. Knee and leg injuries;
5. Ruptured or herniated discs;
6. Hip and pelvis fractures;
7. Back and spinal cord injuries; and
8. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

After suffering any type of fall, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s caring lawyers highly recommend having a doctor examine you for injuries. Both Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and Niagara Health offer extraordinary local care. Waiting too long to seek medical treatment could prolong your recovery and significantly impact the strength of your lawsuit.

Unfortunately, we cannot always depend on business and property owners to fulfill their legal obligations to safely maintain their premises and prevent unnecessary winter-related slip and fall dangers. Victims are especially prone to falling when snow is left untreated and ice accumulates on sidewalks, stairs, parking lots, or other pathways. These tragic accidents can occur long after the last snowfall has begun melting. To avoid falling this winter season, our veteran attorneys recommend the following:

1. Walk Extra Cautiously: During winter conditions, it is crucial to always walk extra prudently. Regardless of whether you are walking on a sidewalk or through a snow-covered parking lot, test the surface to determine how slippery it is before stepping fully onto it with your body weight. Also, keeping your hands free and out of your pockets can help you maintain better balance.

2. Be Careful Walking in Buildings: Even after entering an establishment, do not let your guard down. It is not uncommon for entrances and lobbies of buildings to get soaked by melting ice and snow.

3. Never Run: It is important to remember that black ice is almost impossible to spot on certain surfaces. You should avoid running or even walking fast on surfaces that contain ice. Instead, walk slowly and take as much time as necessary to maintain your balance and stability.

4. Wear Appropriate Footwear: Non-slip boots and other study footwear with neoprene or rubber soles provide the most stability during the winter. Victims have a higher risk of slipping on icy surfaces when wearing high heels or shoes with leather soles. If you need other shoes, you can bring them with you and change them after safely arriving at your destination.

5. Choose Your Path Wisely: Instead of trekking through an uncleared route, try and walk on surfaces that have already been shoveled and salted. Additionally, whenever possible, choose a path that contains walls, railings, or other fixed means of support.

While the above actions are some of the most effective ways to avoid slipping on the ice and snow, there is always a risk of falling. Suppose that you, or someone that you know, were hurt after falling in a winter-related accident. In that case, you should consult with a highly experienced Niagara, Falls, New York premises liability lawyer from the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately. Our battle-tested attorneys can prepare a strong claim for a speedy settlement and, if necessary, present your case in court. In the last 23 years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully litigated hundreds of slip and fall accidents and obtained over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements. Our seasoned lawyers would love to answer all your questions and evaluate the strength of your claim. Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his elite team, are available twenty-four-seven at (716) 839-3939 or by filling out our online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Niagara Falls, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!