Top Injuries Sustained During Winter Due to Negligence

 

Winters is a season of magic, festivals, and lots of fun. However, winters also bring in certain risks of injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Icy sidewalks or unmaintained roads are some of the winter hazards that can lead to severe injuries.

Most of these injuries can be easily prevented if property owners, drivers, and businesses take proper care. Through this blog, we will raise awareness about the most common types of injuries caused by negligence during the winter months.

We will also discuss how a personal injury attorney in Sacramento can help if you or someone you know is affected.

Slip-and-Fall Accidents on Icy Surfaces

Let’s start with one of the most frequent winter injuries: slip-and-fall accidents. Snow and ice can make sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways slippery. When property owners don’t clear these surfaces or don’t add warning signs, they increase the risk of accidents. These slips can cause injuries ranging from mild bruises to severe fractures and head injuries.

Types of Injuries from Slip-and-Falls

• Fractures and Broken Bones – When people fall, they often try to catch themselves, resulting in wrist, ankle, or hip fractures. Fractures and broken bones can be very dangerous for older adults, who may face lengthy recoveries.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – Falls due to slippery driveways and parking lofts can cause head injuries, especially if the person hits their head on a hard surface. TBIs can have long-term effects on cognitive and physical functions, making them one of the more severe winter injuries.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Although less visible, injuries like sprains and strains can be painful and limit mobility, sometimes requiring weeks of physical therapy to fully heal.

If you are injured in a slip-and-fall accident on a property where the owner failed to clear hazards, an injury lawyer in Sacramento can guide you on how to get compensated for the injury.

Winter Driving Hazards

Winter driving brings unique risks, and other drivers’ negligence can make things even more dangerous. Roads can be slick from rain, snow, or “black ice,” which is a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that often catches drivers by surprise. Driving during the winter also requires proper vehicle maintenance, like good tire traction and working windshield wipers. When the driver or the owner of the vehicle ignores these elements, the chance of accidents increases.

Common Winter Driving Injuries

• Whiplash – Whiplash is one of the most common injuries in car accidents. It occurs when the neck is jolted back and forth, straining muscles and ligaments. The symptoms of these types of injuries can last from days to months.
• Spinal Cord Injuries –  Some car accidents result in spinal injuries, which can impact mobility and quality of life, sometimes even causing paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones – Car accidents that are caused by icy conditions on roads and parking lots often lead to fractures in the ribs, arms, or legs. These injuries usually require surgery, physical therapy, and time away from work.

When you are injured in a winter car accident, an auto accident lawyer in Carmichael can make sure you get fairly compensated for medical bills and other expenses that you incurred because of severe injuries.

Fighting for Your Rights –Reach Out for Legal Support

Workplace Winter Accidents

Certain workplaces, like construction sites, warehouses, and delivery services, are especially vulnerable to winter injuries. Icy conditions make outdoor tasks harder, and cold weather can affect both machinery and physical performance. Employers have a duty to protect workers by providing training, proper winter gear, and maintaining a safe environment.

Common Winter Workplace Injuries

• Frostbite and Hypothermia – When a person is exposed to freezing temperatures for long periods, it can lead to frostbite, where skin and tissue freeze. And hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops dangerously low. Without quick treatment, both conditions can lead to permanent damage.
• Falls from Heights – In roofing industries, workers often need to clear snow or ice from high places, like rooftops. While doing these jobs, they are at risk of slipping and falling. These falls can cause traumatic injuries that require long-term recovery.
• Heavy Machinery Accidents – In cold weather, machinery can malfunction, leading to an increased risk of accidents. It’s mandatory for employers to perform routine maintenance to avoid mechanical failures that put employees in harm’s way.

If you are someone injured in a winter-related workplace accident, a personal injury attorney can help understand whether the company was negligent in maintaining a safe work environment.

Winter Hazards Due To Neglected Property Maintenance

Sometimes, winter injuries happen because property owners or business managers neglect important maintenance tasks. For example, failing to clear snow off a roof can lead to icicles forming and falling, posing a risk to anyone below. Similarly, snow can accumulate and create uneven walkways that trip pedestrians.

Injuries from Neglected Property Maintenance

• Head Injuries from Falling Icicles – Icicles might seem harmless, but when they grow large, they become a heavy hazard. In very severe cases, falling icicles can cause head injuries or even traumatic brain injuries.
• Crush and Cut Injuries from Roof Collapse – In extreme cases, heavy snow lead to roof cave in’s . Anyone inside or near the building is at risk of severe injury, including crush injuries that can be fatal. Roof collapses can also shatter glass or other building materials, which can cause severe cuts and scrapes.

California’s premises liability law holds property owners accountable for keeping their property reasonably safe. So, if you are injured due to property negligence, an injury lawyer in Sacramento can assist in making a claim for damages.

Don’t Wait – Get Help from aPersonal Injury Attorney Today

Hire A Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento – Contact Doyle & O’Donnell for a Free Consultation

Winter injuries are serious, and if you have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated. A qualified personal injury attorney in Sacramento, like Doyle & O’Donnell, will gather evidence, handle negotiations, and represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

Contact Doyle & O’Donnell Law Firm for a free consultation. We will help you fight for your rights, gather the evidence you need, and work tirelessly to guarantee you receive maximum compensation.

So, if you or your loved one have suffered injuries this winter because someone was negligent, reach out to our team. With 30 years of experience in personal injury and car accident cases, we will help you start your journey towards recovery.