Sidewalks covered with ice are a common occurrence during the winter months, and they can lead to you falling and suffering serious injuries. Commercial property owners have a responsibility regarding their visitors’ safety, and this includes effectively managing hazardous conditions promptly. When they fail to do so, you can sustain serious injuries that require professional medical help, and you could be entitled to pursue compensation.
If you were injured by a commercial property owner’s failure to manage footpaths during winter, a Wilmington icy sidewalk injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable. An experienced premises liability attorney at the Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya can investigate the circumstances and help you protect your legal rights.
What to Know About The Continuing Storm Doctrine
When it comes to icy sidewalks, Delaware implements what is known as the continuing storm doctrine. This means that for the duration of a storm, property owners are not held responsible for maintaining their sidewalks in a safe condition. When a storm has ceased, the continuing storm doctrine no longer applies, and property owners then owe the people who use their footpaths a duty of care.
This means taking the precautions that a reasonable property owner would under similar circumstances to ensure the safety of those using their footpaths. Owners are given a reasonable amount of time to address the risks posed by frozen footpaths following a storm. If you have suffered injuries due to a frozen footpath in Wilmington that the property owner failed to clear in a reasonable time, our attorneys can help you hold them legally liable.
What Common and Serious Injuries Are Caused by Falls?
Falling on ice can result in you suffering significant injuries. Common examples include:
- Complicated bone fractures that may cause long-term pain and mobility issues
- Back and shoulder injuries that are often difficult to diagnose and treat
- Soft tissue injuries that can lead to chronic pain and limit daily activities
- Spinal cord injuries that can cause life-altering paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries with lasting cognitive effects
At the Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, our attorneys are experienced in supporting Wilmington clients who have suffered injuries as a result of sidewalks covered in ice. We can help you identify all your losses and guide you through the process of claiming the compensation you deserve.
What Steps Can Strengthen Your Claim?
If you have been injured on a walkway covered in ice, your situation may be unique, but certain steps can help guide you through the process. These include:
- Seeking immediate medical care: Pain and other symptoms can be masked by the shock after a fall, so early medical attention is crucial
- Contacting a personal injury attorney early: Skilled legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim
- Following your medical team’s instructions: Follow your treatment plan carefully, including all follow-up appointments, to support your recovery
- Being cautious with insurers: Insurance companies may use your own words against your claim, so leave communications to your attorney
After being injured by a fall on a walkway covered in ice, our Wilmington legal team can negotiate with insurers on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Contact Our Attorneys if You Have Been Injured on an Icy Footpath in Wilmington
Representation from a trusted Wilmington icy sidewalk injury lawyer can help protect your legal rights after a slip and fall. At the Law Offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, we are committed to fiercely advocating for the best possible outcome for your claim. Whether through skilled negotiation with insurers or litigation if necessary, we work diligently on your behalf. Contact us online or call us today.