Even when Georgia experiences rare ice and snow, life must go on.
But many Georgians are unused to walking in icy or snowy weather, not to mention that most Georgia municipalities, cities, and businesses are not prepared with sand, salt, and the other necessities for keeping pedestrians safe on the ice.
These factors combine to create a perfect storm of conditions for slips and falls.
Here is what you and your loved ones need to know so that you can protect your rights in case of a trip or fall on commercial property.
First, in all but a few circumstances business owners are responsible for your safety when visiting their storefront or parking lot.
The precedent for business owner liability in icy conditions was set by Dumas v.
Tripps of North Carolina, Inc.
when the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that "the accumulation of naturally occurring ice does not negate an owner's duty to exercise ordinary care in inspecting the premises.
" If you must walk outside in icy weather, the best thing to do is be prepare and extremely careful so you stay safe and unharmed: * Take it slow! First and foremost, pay attention to the area around you, take small steps, and give yourself plenty of time to get where you're going.
The route you walk every day can suddenly become different and dangerous in icy conditions.
* Choose your path with care.
Avoid unnecessary chances to slip and fall by taking the shortest route to your destination, and stay out of shaded areas that might hide ice.
* Be especially careful around storefronts and entrances.
Areas with heavy foot traffic tend to become slick with the combination of ice, snow, mud and sludge, making them a common site for slips and falls.
While storeowners are responsible for cleaning the ice and snow and posting warnings for your safety, some are negligent, and that negligence could lead to a fall and serious injury.
* Wear shoes with good traction.
Nobody expects to see a fashion plate in the snow and ice.
If you must wear slick soled shoes or high heels for work, wear more sensible shoes while outside and change once you enter your building.
* Knock snow and ice off of your shoes before entering a building.
Inside entryways can also quickly become slip and fall hazards.
Though the business owner should post a warning sign if the floor is wet or slick, do not count on it.
The best planning in the world cannot prevent all slips and falls.
If you do slip and fall at a business or on commercial property, you might be tempted to save face by apologizing or inadvertently admit fault by exclaiming "I'm just clumsy!" Avoid that temptation.
This admission could later cost you your just compensation in court.
Remember, it is the business owner's responsibility to keep their premises free of snow, ice and other hazards.
Any statements you give at the scene might just let them off the hook when it comes to compensating you for your injury.
If you do happen to slip and fall, be proactive.
Take photos of the scene, get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses and employees, and collect all evidence.
Then call an experienced Georgia premises liability attorney as soon as possible.
An experienced slip and fall attorney will help you collect the evidence essential for you to win your case and claim your award.
Copyright 2010 by Michael Lawson Neff