Georgia Injury Law Blog
Slip and fall accidents cause significant and permanent personal injuries to individuals. Retailers and other property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for their visitors. Likewise, visitors have a responsibility not to walk in areas that are clearly hazardous. The recent winter weather has greatly increased the risk of slip and fall accidents. The initial snow freezes and turns to ice. Likewise, we see a great deal of black ice in the winter in Georgia. Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on top of pavement. Unfortunately, retailers are often not very good at identifying and removing black ice that is not readily visible to visitors. The result is a significant number of slip and fall accidents that could be prevented.
Some parts of Georgia, like Haralson County, have recorded a 2-inch accumulation of snow, and in some of these areas, it has been the first such recorded heavy snowfall in years. For instance, in Haralson County, it has been the first such snowfall recorded in more than 129 years. While the snow has meant a picture-perfect Christmas to Georgia residents, it is also important to know that these beautiful snowy conditions can contribute to a slip and fall hazard.
You can avoid many of these accident hazards, simply by wearing sensible footwear during such weather. Put away your stilettos and party shoes, and wear winter shoes or boots to avoid a fall. You can also use clamp-on accessories that can offer better grip to prevent a fall. Be especially careful when you step out of the main door every morning, and look out for treacherous ice. Most of the fall accidents during this weather occur because people aren’t used to such icy conditions, and forget that they need to take special precautions when they walk in such weather.
If shopkeepers, department stores and mall owners fail to keep their entranceways clear of snow and ice, they can be held liable for injuries. However, it is important to contact an attorney immediately after a fall. Rest assured, the store owner will contact their insurance company which will immediately investigate the fall and any injuries. Atlanta slip and fall accident lawyers are here to help if you have a fall and believe that it was caused by the negligence of the property owner.