Icy conditions increase risk of slip-and-fall accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents can result in serious injuries, and Ontario residents are at a much greater risk for being involved in these kinds of accidents during icy weather conditions. When walking on wet sidewalks or driveways on particularly cold days, it is a good idea to take each step with caution in case there is any ice on the ground.

Injuries sustained after an icy slip-and-fall accident can range from a minor muscle strain to permanent spinal cord damage. After suffering from a muscle strain or sprain, individuals can normally recover from their injuries with rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and heat and ice packs. Unless they are particularly severe, tailbone injuries and compression fractures can usually be treated in the same way.

If a person has severe pain, or experiences difficulty breathing and standing after a fall on ice, the person may have sustained a more serious injury. Some common injuries that can result in long-term complications for victims are herniated discs and spinal cord injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, the symptoms of a herniated disc can normally be resolved with nonsurgical treatments. A spinal cord injury is an emergency that could result in paralysis if not treated properly.

Slip-and-fall accidents are sometimes the result of a property owner’s failure to properly maintain their premises. Because property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises safe for guests, victims of a slip-and-fall accident may hold property owners accountable for their injuries by filing a premises liability claim. While pursuing a claim for compensation, victims may want to seek help from a lawyer.