Winter is coming to Kansas City. That means the holidays, time off with family and friends, and the New Year are just around the corner. It also means the cold, frigid Kansas City weather is settling into the metro. Although snow, sleet, and ice can trap us indoors, we still must go out and live our lives. Despite our best efforts to be careful and walk where we think it’s safe, we can slip, fall, and suffer serious, life-changing injuries.
When Can You File a Claim After a Fall on Snow or Ice?
So, what happens when you or a loved one slip on ice and are injured? Do you have a personal injury claim?
Only when an owner should have taken particular safety measures can they be responsible for these injuries. These cases have their own special rules (see Navigating Winter Weather: Premises Liability Tips to Stay Safe) and we recommend contacting an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible.
Steps to Take After a Slip-and-Fall on Ice
In the meantime, there are a handful of ways you can help your lawyer determine whether you have a viable personal injury case:
- Seek Prompt Medical Attention
If you are injured, your health comes first. Medical records will support your claim for injuries. - Report the Incident Immediately
Notify the property owner or manager of your injury so your incident is documented, but don’t trust them to accurately record what happened. - Photograph the Scene and Surrounding Areas
Snow and ice conditions change fast. As soon as possible, take pictures of the exact place you fell, and nearby walkways and parking lots so the condition can be documented. Likewise, take photos of the surrounding properties to help show the general conditions of the community. Often, the injured person is unable to take photos because of the injuries; ask a friend, family member, or someone nearby to take these photos. - Note Weather Conditions
Record details such as temperature, precipitation, and time of day. These details matter in proving negligence. - Get Witness Information
Names and contact information of anyone who saw the incident can be crucial. - Look for Cameras Near the Scene
Look for security, doorbell, or traffic cameras to see if the incident was documented. - Contact a Premises Liability Attorney
Snow and ice claims can be technical. An experienced personal injury attorney in Kansas City can handle the investigation and preserve key evidence before it disappears.
You can also check out 5 Things to Remember When You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property.
How MRH Law Investigates Winter Weather Injury Claims
Once you’ve retained us, we will begin our investigation immediately.
- We canvas the scene, locating witnesses and potential cameras capturing the fall.
- We pull certified weather reports and hire experts including meteorologists and snow removal professionals.
- We identify where the snow or ice originated: is it from the sky, or did it melt off an adjacent building and a gutter poured it into the parking lot walkway.
- Most importantly, we take the lead on your case so that you can take a step back and focus on healing.
Contact MRH Law for Winter Slip-and-Fall Injuries
Winter weather injuries can be severe, and these cases require quick action and experienced legal support. If you slipped on snow or ice and were seriously injured, our team at Meyerkord, Russell & Hergott is ready to help. Contact us to learn more about your options.