Common Causes of Sidewalk Injuries in Texas and How to Avoid Them

Winter weather is finally appearing across Texas, just in time for the holidays. However, these wet, icy, and sometimes snowy conditions can cause dangerous hazards for pedestrians.

An increase in slip and fall incidents happens during winter in Texas. Although heavy snow is not usually present, a winter storm or snowstorm can still cause icy surfaces, especially on roads and sidewalks. Sidewalk injuries sound simple, but they still can have severe consequences. It’s important to understand what might cause these types of incidents and who could be liable so you can seek compensation if necessary.

If you were injured by slipping and falling on an icy sidewalk in Texas, you can talk to a Carabin Shaw attorney about your accident for free to see if you qualify for compensation at 800-862-1260.

Sidewalk Hazards that Cause Pedestrian Injuries during Winter

Winter in Texas, although without a storm, can still impose danger due to the sudden drop in temperature, causing icy and slick sidewalks. Commonly, this particular season is prone to slip-and-fall incidents for pedestrians, especially if there are: 

• sidewalk cracks due to poor maintenance 
• unremoved snow and ice
• sidewalk debris and,
• defective sidewalk design

Slips, trips, and falls must be considered dangerous incidents as they can still cause muscle pains, bone fractures, head injuries, and even death. 

How do you avoid sidewalk injuries? 

To avoid getting injured while walking on public or private property, you can consider doing the following: 

1. Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots
2. Walk slowly and carefully, especially on slippery paths
3. Keep updated on the weather forecast
4. Stay indoors if there’s nothing important to do outside

While these tips can lessen the possibility of injury, accidents may still occur. If a negligent homeowner, business owner, or government agency contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. 

Liable Persons for Sidewalk Injuries

While businesses and other property owners can’t control the weather, they are still responsible for maintaining a safe shopping/walking environment. If you injure yourself falling on icy or wet sidewalks, negligent parties could be responsible, such as:

• Homeowners and Business Owners

If the accident occurred on their property and negligence to maintain a safe environment for pedestrians has been proved, they are liable for the injury attained. 

• Municipal Government 

Regular maintenance of the sidewalks is the government’s responsibility. However, in times of accidents, they cannot always be held liable, depending on the local law and ordinance. 

• Contractors and Construction Companies

If the accident happened while there’s ongoing construction that contributes to the cause of injury, they can also be held liable and get asked for compensation. 

Note: To prove that negligence from the property owner caused your injury, it’s critical to take pictures of the scene. Conditions can easily change, either naturally or not. 

A sidewalk injury can be a confusing case. If you want to know whether your case is worthwhile, Carabin Shaw has a personal injury attorney to guide you through the process.

Icy Sidewalk Injury? Call Shaw

A simple fall can cause devastating injuries. If you or your loved one was injured in a slip-and-fall accident anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:

• Ambulance Costs,
• ER Treatment,
• Surgeries,
• Medical Bills,
• Pain and Suffering,
• Property Damage,
• Missed Work,
• Wrongful Death,
• And More.

We can help you find out for free.

Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our premises liability attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice. We put our clients first because we care.

We look forward to serving you.