What to do if you sustain an injury due to a slip and fall from winter weather

Question: I slipped and fell in a parking lot covered with ice and snow and sustained a fracture to my arm.  What should I do? 

Answer: Winter weather not only brings upon us beautiful landscapes of falling snow but  an increased probability of slipping and falling on ice and snow during a routine walk outside. If you fall and injure yourself due to ice and snow in a parking lot there are a number of steps you should take to protect your rights.  

You should immediately seek medical attention and have a physician document your injuries.  Many injuries are less obvious (a concussion) and you should be thoroughly examined after the fall. You should also contact the property owner and inform them of the hazard on the property. If you fall in a parking lot owned by City property you should immediately contact the municipality by sending a registered letter to the Clerk of the municipality.  The notice letter must include the date, time and location of the occurrence. If you fall on private property, there is a new amendment to the Occupiers’ Liability Act that requires you to provide written notice to the property owner or any other occupier or snow removal contractor within 60 days. Failure to provide proper notice to the City, property owner or other occupier can prevent you from bringing a successful claim in the future. You should consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately after your fall to obtain advice and ensure that any time limits and notice requirements are protected.