While winter is the time of joy, celebration, and renewal, there are a few environmental factors that could lead to a trip to the emergency room, and inevitably, the office of a personal injury lawyer. Icy weather, increased travel, and crowded stores are a recipe for an accident waiting to happen.
Every year, countless New Jersey citizens suffer wintertime injuries that could’ve been prevented, most of which turn into personal injury claims.
The law offices of Edward P. Shamy Jr. have assisted in numerous winter-related personal injury cases. Here are some of the most common:
Ice Slip & Fall Accidents
Ice buildup is inevitable in the winter when the conditions are right. Store entrances, sidewalks, and parking lots can build up ice if not properly salted. This can create a slick surface that can lead to slipping, falling, and injury.
Property owners have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care to ensure that these areas on their property are free from ice and safe to walk. They can be held liable for slip and fall injuries that result in broken bones, concussions, neck/back injuries, and even sprains.
Winter Car Accidents
Since travel is high during the holiday season, there are more cars on the road throughout December and January. The combination of congested roadways and inclement weather creates greater risks for accidental collisions resulting in injury, with factors that include:
- Speeding on icy roads
- Failing to clear windshields
- Distracted driving (through text and GPS use)
- DUIs from leaving holiday events
Holiday Gathering Injuries
Since holiday parties, whether at work or at home, contain an influx of people and alcohol, there are a few potential hazards that can occur, including:
- Tripping hazards
- Overserving guests
- Poorly maintained stairs or walkways
If a property owner fails to take reasonable steps for the safety of others, a premises liability claim can be maintained for the property owner’s negligent acts or omissions.
Electrical Accidents & Fires
Due to the winter decorations, many of which require electricity, there’s an increased risk of fires in houses and apartments. If the fire is due to defective products, there could be a case for product liability negligence.
Shopping-Related Accidents
Stores are often crowded during the holidays, and due to the influx of shoppers, could lead to injuries from obstructed aisles, spills that weren’t cleaned, or even poorly maintained walkways and parking lots.
If you’re injured on a shopping errand due to any of the potential causes listed above, you may have a claim against the business owner or the property manager.
Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer This Holiday Season
If you’ve been injured due to winter-related risks, and it was the fault of another party, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the damages, medical bills, wage loss, disability and your pain and suffering.
If you suffer an injury under any of the circumstances described herein, you can look to the law offices of Edward P. Shamy Jr. for representation. With experience in over 2,500 cases involving personal injury, the law offices of Edward P. Shamy Jr. can work with you to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and all of the consequences and expenses flowing from the injuries.
