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For people who live in an area so used to wintry weather as Rhode Island, removing snow and ice from sidewalks, parking lots, and outdoor stairs should be a routine matter.
However, many property owners in our state neglect this routine. Unfortunately, as a result of these property owners’ neglect, others can suffer serious injuries in slip and fall accidents.
When it comes to holding negligent property owners legally accountable for slip and fall accidents on snow and ice, Rhode Island follows what is called the “Connecticut Rule.”
Under this rule, a property owner has a legal duty to remove natural hazards from common areas on their property. However, the owner is given a “reasonable time” to do so. Barring unusual circumstances, this reasonable time includes waiting until the snowfall ends.
The rule applies to a wide variety of property owners, including those who own private residences, retail stores, or restaurants. It even applies to state and local government entities.
It’s crucial for these property owners to live up to their duty. Falls, after all, are the leading cause of injuries requiring visits to hospital emergency rooms in the U.S.
Elderly Adults are At Risk in Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Accidents
Older adults face a unique risk of seriously injuring themselves when they slip, trip, or fall due to snow and ice. Based on 2011 U.S. Census estimates, this means that this risk is faced by 147,200 Rhode Island residents or 14.7 percent of the state’s population.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if an older adult suffers a fracture of any kind, it is most likely in a fall. Additionally, more than 90 percent of hip fractures in older adults are caused by falls. When the fall leads to death, nearly half of those cases will involve some form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), the CDC indicates.
A 2010 study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society said that about 50 percent of falls among “community-dwelling older adults” occur outdoors. They include falls on:
- Sidewalks (23 percent)
- Yards or gardens (14 percent)
- Streets or curbs (14 percent)
- Outside stairs (13 percent)
- Parking lots (6 percent).
Clearly, ice or snow on sidewalks, stairs, parking lots, and other hard surfaces creates a hazard for anyone. However, based on this study, it’s easy to see that these hazards especially increase the likelihood of a slip and fall by an elderly pedestrian or customer.
For a free legal consultation with a snow and ice accident lawyer serving Rhode Island, call 401.467.2300
Contact a Rhode Island Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was injured by a slip-and-fall accident on snow or ice, the Rhode Island slip-and-fall lawyers of Gemma Law Associates can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
Do you have a slip-and-fall case? If so, call us today at 401.467.2300. We can review your case in a free and confidential evaluation and help you determine your legal options.
Serving the Greater Providence metro area, including Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, North Providence, South Kingston, Coventry, Cumberland, Woonsocket, and East Providence.
Gemma law is the best and helped and guided me threw everything … highly recommended thank you so much
ellen almgren2023-02-095 stars all the way. They did exactly what was expected. Good Job
Keith Ruggiero2023-02-04Very efficient and very good with communicating with me. I received updates about my case without having to call and request them. Very good law office! Very satisfied.
Bethania Herrera2023-01-19Mark Gemma has been absolutely amazing. He was helpful and answered all concerns and questions I’ve had. Him and his team are beyond incredible, supportive, and sweet. I would like to thank them all for everything they’ve done.
Samantha Argus2023-01-19very professional and honest, what I liked the most is whenever you call the lawyer returns your call with every concern I had. It was my first time and I would not hesitate to trust them again.
Diana Palacio2023-01-17This team is extremely helpful and kind. Mark Gemma was a great help in guiding me through this whole process and was a huge help. I would recommend this team to anyone seeking legal counsel
Zachary Dustin2023-01-16I am so happy with the turnout of my case. Both Sarah and Peter kept me up to date on everything and worked very hard on my case. The whole staff is friendly and diligent with their work. 100% recommend!
Chelsie Abatiello2022-12-28Managed to get my money before Christmas...in just days after settling! Great communication and always helped with my needs, and always gave good advice. Would definitely recommend.
Trini Luckey2022-12-23Always professional and always checking in on their clients. Excellent atmosphere.
Susan Hallam2022-12-17After spending 8 hours in a hospital overnight to get stitches in my lip because of a drunk driver’s negligent decision to get behind the wheel, the last thing I wanted to do was think about it all. I sent an email to Gemma Law, and Mark Gemma quickly called me back with an empathetic approach to listening to my story and helping me figure out the next steps. When he told me I wouldn’t have to have any contact with the insurance companies, I was HOOKED! When he pointed out how unfortunate it was I might have to miss out on a lip modeling career from a potential scar from the stitches, I was SOLD! And when I finally received my settlement check after letting him do all the leg work while I just focused on recovering, I was and am eternally GRATEFUL! Mark Gemma helped me turn a near death experience into a new start in life and I highly recommend him to anybody needing a personal injury lawyer.
Angie Sherman2022-12-07
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