This winter, Ohioans have dealt with an endless supply of snow, ice, and inclement weather. When ice and snow accumulate, accidents happen more frequently. Ohio slip and fall accidents are prevalent during the harsh Ohio winter. Ohio law generally veers in favor of business owners, but exceptions can be made when clear neglect is exposed.
According to ABC News Ohio, Ohio slip and fall accidents are the fault of property owners where the owners fail to warn the patrons of the property about the dangerous conditions that could lead to injuries. Ohio business owners are liable for injuries caused by wrongdoing or negligence on the part of the owner. Establishing responsibility for a snow or ice-related injury can be difficult, because the plaintiff must establish that the property owner was negligent.
Business owners may be responsible for ice-related slip and fall injuries in Ohio under the following conditions:
- Icy steps and sidewalks
- Snow piled on top of uneven ground
- Unnatural accumulation of ice due to shoveled snow or broken water systems
- Snow covering holes, steps, or unsafe walkways on business property
Businesses are not usually held responsible for ice and snow-related injuries, but where clear negligence is identified, a business is responsible for the injuries.
Winter Slip And Fall Accident Risk
This winter, Ohio residents have seen many snow and ice related injuries. Children traveling to and from school on food have faced the biggest injury risk. Students from Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cinncinatti, and numerous other cities in Ohio have faced minor injuries as a result of ice-related falls. Akron students have been particularly at risk, with school nurses reporting over dozens of ice-related injuries each week.
Preventing Ohio Slips And Fall Accidents
To reduce Ohio resident’s fall risk, Ohio has created a program known as “U Steady.” This program encourages the elderly and other groups to make safe choices that will reduce the risk of falls in any situation, including on ice and snow. U Steady offers several tips for preventing injuries during icy weather, listed below:
- Wear sturdy shoes with treads when leaving the house.
- Carry a small amount of sand to sprinkle on icy paths.
- Stretch gently before leaving the house.
- Walk slowly, with a short stride, bent knees, and toes pointed slightly outward.
- Don’t step onto an area where you cannot see where your foot will land. Snow often hides dangerous drop-offs and curbs.
[February 2014, http://aging.ohio.gov/steadyu/inc/docs/STEADYU_PnG_winter.pdf]
If you are a victim of an Ohio slip and fall accident, the attorneys at Wright & Schulte are here to offer you help and guidance so that you can concentrate on getting healthy. Contact our experienced lawyers today at 937-22-7477 for a free legal consultation.
