Avoiding a Slip and Fall Accident This Holiday Season

Winter and the holiday season are a favorite time of year for many people. The lights, sights, and sounds can bring joy, but you may not realize that this time of year can also be full of safety hazards.

When people are holiday shopping or visiting holiday attractions, icy sidewalks and parking lots present a potential risk for a slip and fall accident. Older adults are especially vulnerable to serious injuries during falls.

Complications from falls can even be fatal, as falls are the top cause of injury-related death in Americans aged 65 and up. Each year, 14 million older adults fall, and the number is far greater when you add in falls to all adults. Not surprisingly, falls happen more often during the winter months.

Common Winter Slip and Fall Hazards

Slips and falls are more common in the colder months of the year for many reasons, and not all are as obvious as visible ice patches on the ground.

• Snow: Snow can accumulate on sidewalks, parking lots, and around entryways when it’s not thoroughly shoveled or removed. When fresh snow falls on old snow that has partially melted before refreezing, it can hide a thick layer of ice underneath, which can cause unsuspecting pedestrians to slip and fall.
• Pooled Water: Snow tracked into buildings on visitors’ coats and boots can melt into puddles in entryways. When building owners and property managers don’t take preventative measures to address this hazard, such as placing floor mats in entryways and wet floor signs near slick areas, they can potentially be held liable for resulting slips and falls.
• Insufficient Lighting: Days are shorter and often overcast in winter. When property owners don’t place bright lights in areas where people frequently walk, such as near entrances and in parking lots, visitors risk tripping over hazards they can’t see, including debris and uneven pavement.
• Clutter: Just as snow can hide ice, fallen leaves and other debris may also hide trip hazards. This also extends to deliberately placed objects. For example, an inflatable holiday decoration’s power cord can be a trip hazard if it’s placed in a walking area.

Tips for Avoiding Falls During Winter

To avoid falls on icy sidewalks, the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Cofman Townsley recommend:

• Being aware of your surroundings at all times
• Taking small, deliberate steps
• Using handrails when available
• Wearing shoes with a sturdy grip

In addition, it’s sometimes better to take a longer route to avoid walking on an icy patch.

Contact Cofman Townsley If You Need Legal Help After a Fall

While we hope these tips help keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the holiday season, it’s ultimately the responsibility of businesses and property owners to ensure their premises are safe for visitors and customers.

If you or your loved one are seriously injured on someone else’s property this holiday season, contact Cofman Townsley. You shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills and lost wages resulting from an injury you suffered because a business or property owner didn’t make sure their property was safe. That’s why your initial consultation is always free, and you owe us nothing unless we win you compensation.

Originally published December 16, 2014. Updated October 14, 2024.