The winter season brings many opportunities for injury. From driving in the snow to shovelling your driveway, the chances of accidents occurring are greater in the winter than any other time of year. The most common accidents people come across during this season are slips and falls. We’ve all experienced the panic that comes with our feet sliding across an ice patch at some point. But what should you do if you slip and fall on ice and get injured? 

Injuries That Can Come From Slips and Falls

Let’s quickly look at what kinds of injuries typically result from a fall on ice before we begin. The most common injuries include:

• Brain injuries / severe concussions.
• Fractures.
• Broken bones.
• Cuts and bruises.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Muscle strains.

By understanding what can commonly result from a slip and fall, you can better communicate your injuries and how the accident occurred to your lawyer. To illustrate how many people need medical attention after a slip and fall on ice, the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) conducted a study. Their research showed that from 2016-2017 alone, there were nearly 9000 hospitalizations due to slipping on ice. This type of accident may seem to be not very concerning, but the data shows just how many people suffer significant injuries due to a slip and fall on ice.

Get Medical Attention 

After falling on ice and suffering an injury, the first thing you should do is look after yourself. A fall may not seem bad initially, but problems can arise soon after the accident. If, after the fall, you immediately notice an issue like pain or a visible bruise, seek medical attention as soon as you can. First and foremost, your health is paramount. Be sure to also document your injuries after seeing a doctor in the event you decide to take legal action.

Take Pictures and Speak to Witnesses

Taking a photograph of where you fell after it happened is crucial as it will capture the area as it was during the incident. With the weather constantly changing, there is no telling how the location will look when it finally comes to making a personal injury claim.

If people were around when you fell, it’s a good idea to talk with them and get an understanding of what they saw during the accident. Having these accounts and their contact information will go a long way if you choose to see a lawyer. When it comes to your case, you need other people to back up your claims and support what you say about your accident.

Speak With Legal Professionals

Once you have decided to speak with a lawyer, collect all the information you can to help build your personal injury case. Valuable information includes doctor’s reports, prescriptions, pictures of the area, and any witness information you have gathered. It is important to note that limitation periods can vary depending on where the slip and fall injury occurred, meaning you may have a limited amount of time to report your accident. Hence, it is best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after a slip and fall incident.