Winter weather in Kentucky can create beautiful scenery — but also dangerous walking conditions. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain make slip-and-fall accidents far more common, whether they happen in your own driveway or at a local business. While some falls lead only to bruised pride, others can result in serious injuries.
At Rawdon & Cantrill, Attorneys at Law, we help injury victims throughout Central Kentucky understand their rights and pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence causes harm. Here’s what you should know about slip-and-falls during the winter season.
Why Slip and Falls Increase During Kentucky Winters
Cold weather brings a higher risk of hazards such as:
- Black ice on sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways
- Snow-packed surfaces hiding uneven pavement
- Melt-and-refreeze cycles creating slick patches
- Wet floors inside stores from tracked-in snow
- Poor lighting making icy spots harder to see
Slip and Falls at Home: Who Is Responsible?
Many assume no one is responsible if an accident happens at home, but that’s not always true. Liability may involve:
- The Homeowner: You could be responsible if you knew about a hazard and failed to address it.
- Landlords: Tenants may have a claim if the landlord ignored common area maintenance.
- Contractors or Maintenance Companies: They may be at fault if they didn't perform their work properly.
Slip and Falls at a Business: Understanding Premises Liability
Businesses in Kentucky must maintain safe conditions for customers, including:
- Clearing snow and ice promptly
- Salting or graveling icy areas
- Fixing or warning about hazards
- Keeping entryways dry with floor mats
- Inspecting walkways regularly
If a business fails to take these steps, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
Common Locations for Winter Slip and Falls
- Grocery store entrances
- Gas station parking lots
- Restaurant walkways
- Office building steps
- Shopping center sidewalks
What To Do After a Slip and Fall in Winter
Whether the fall occurs at home or elsewhere, protect your health and legal rights by:
- Seeking medical attention immediately
- Documenting the scene with photos
- Reporting the incident
- Gathering witness information
- Preserving your footwear
- Contacting an experienced attorney
Injuries Commonly Seen in Winter Slip and Falls
Injuries can include:
- Fractured wrists, arms, hips, and ankles
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Back or spinal injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Shoulder dislocations
Recovering Compensation After a Slip and Fall
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. You must show someone else’s negligence played a role in your fall, so consulting an attorney early is essential.
Rawdon & Cantrill Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered a slip-and-fall injury this winter, Rawdon & Cantrill, Attorneys at Law is here to help. We offer compassionate guidance, aggressive representation, and decades of experience handling premises liability claims throughout Kentucky. Contact us today for a free consultation.