When you are invited onto someone else’s property, you are going to assume that the area is safe. If you end up getting hurt in a slip and fall due to hazardous conditions, then you will probably want to talk to a Washington D.C. slip & fall lawyer. Property owners have to decide on a defense when they get sued over injuries. One thing they might focus on is the weather on the day of the accident. But is bad weather really enough to stave off a personal injury case? It can be, so this is what you need to know before pursuing damages.
What Kinds of Hazards Can Present Themselves in Bad Weather?
There are many different types of hazards that can cause a trip and fall. Bad weather usually makes conditions even more dangerous. Some common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Wet or icy walkways
- Spills on the floor
- Poor lighting
- Damaged stairs or walkways
- Stairs with broken handrails or none at all
Bad weather can make some of these hazards more dangerous or more likely to occur. Rain can cause a leak, leading to slippery conditions that can cause injuries. Stairs that are normally safe can end up slippery from the weather. A property owner is supposed to address such things. If they do not, they should be held responsible for the harm caused.
Can a Property Owner Blame the Bad Weather?
Surprisingly, a property owner can actually try to use the bad weather that caused the slip and fall hazard as reasoning for why your case should be dismissed. They might argue that they were doing everything that they could possibly do to keep their customers safe. However, the ongoing storm just made it difficult to keep everyone from getting hurt.
This can be a common defense when someone slips on an outdoor walkway during a rainstorm or falls due to snow or ice as a winter storm rages on. While we understand the potential difficulties of dealing with such hazards in the moment, property owners should not get to wash their hands of these situations and just say that it was too hard to keep their property safe.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me?
It can be hard to prove negligence, especially if the property owner wants to defend themselves by citing the bad weather. This is why it can be a good idea to have a seasoned attorney on your side. A personal injury lawyer from our firm can help you build a case by securing surveillance footage, talking to witnesses, and looking into the safety history of the property. We will do our best to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Talk to Our Legal Team
If you believe that you have a personal injury suit on your hands, call Trombly & Singer, PLLC. We can schedule a consultation and tell you more about the potential value of your case.
