Here’s What You Can Do If You Fall
The weather in Kansas and Missouri is notoriously unpredictable, especially in winter. The morning may be clear and sunny, but by lunchtime there can be snow and ice. Welcome to slip and fall conditions.
Here’s a look at the risks:
- Snow on sidewalks may not get cleared for days.
- Sidewalks and parking lots remain icy.
- City crosswalks and municipal sidewalks are covered in ice, or worse, black ice.
- Retail stores and businesses fail to apply salt to icy and snow-laden areas.
- Pedestrians are hit with melting icicles and snow from roofs and roof overhangs.
- Snow melts then refreezes on streets and sidewalks.
- Snowplow accidents are common.
Every winter these conditions lead to serious falls. Certain people are especially vulnerable to icy conditions such as the elderly, pregnant women, the injured and the disabled.
Kansas and Missouri Law Regarding Property Owner Responsibilities
Kansas and Missouri law requires a property owner to remove snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time and to do so in a reasonable way. There are two aspects to this. First and foremost, if the property owner is aware of the snow and ice, he is responsible to remove it. The law also provides that a property owner is responsible to remove the snow and ice if he or she should have known about it. Second, the property owner must remove the snow and ice in a way that doesn’t create new hazards. For example, piling snow or ice near a sidewalk can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians as the snow melts and refreezes. In both scenarios, the property owner can be held responsible for injuries.
Compensation
You can be compensated for lost wages, future wage losses, pain and suffering, and medical expenses related to an injury you suffer on snow or ice that was not properly cleared.
Types of Injuries Covered
- Neck and back
- Strains, sprains, fractures, and broken bones
- Head injuries and concussions
- Hand and arm injuries
- Ankle, foot and leg injuries
- Arm and hand injuries
- Bruise and scars
- Spinal cord injuries
- Emotional and psychological injuries
What To Do If You’ve Have An Accident
- Call for medical help.
- Inform the property owner of the accident.
- Take photographs of the accident scene. This is especially important with snow and ice falls. Weather conditions can quickly change and rapidly alter the scene of the accident. Without photos, it might be impossible to prove liability.
- Take photographs of your injuries, clothing and anything else that could be relevant.
- Ask for witness accounts. Be sure to get their names and contact information.
- Contact a legal team.
Statutes of Limitations
Don’t delay. Kansas and Missouri have strict statutes of limitations for personal injury claims. Call us before you contact your insurance company or the property owner. We’ll make sure your rights are protected and we’ll do everything we can to make sure you are compensated fairly.