With the first snowfall of 2023 appearing this week and temperatures plummeting into minus figures, so too come the inevitable slips, trips and falls on snow and ice.

These accidents can cause a range of injuries, from scrapes and bruises to fractures and head injuries. If you’re injured through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation.

Accidents at your workplace

Your employer has a duty to their employees to ensure they do everything reasonably practicable to prevent their employees slipping on snow and ice in their workplace.  This can include keeping frequently used areas such as paths, walkways and car parks free of snow and ice.

If your employer has failed to minimise the risk of accidents on snow and ice and you have had an accident as a result, this could amount to negligence which entitles you to make a claim.

Accidents in a public place

The most common places for slips, trips, and falls due to snow and ice include:

  • Supermarkets
  • Car parks
  • Shopping centres
  • Bus/train stations
  • School grounds
  • Hospital grounds

Every supermarket, restaurant, and shop have a duty under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 to take such care, as is reasonable in all the circumstances, to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe in using their premises. If they fail to do so and that causes your injuries, they may be liable for a personal injury claim.

What to do if you have an accident in the snow and ice

It is important to try and get as much evidence as possible to support a claim for personal injury, therefore we advise that you take photographs of the scene of the accident and some notes on what exactly happened.  It is also helpful to make sure it is recorded in an accident book if one is available and ask if there is any CCTV which covered the accident.

Take contact details for witnesses if anyone saw the accident happen – this can help later down the line if the company you are claiming against deny liability.  Finally, ensure you seek medical attention!

Not all accidents caused by snow and ice can give rise to a claim, but it is important to check whether someone is liable for your accident by seeking advice from a personal injury specialist. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a slip, trip, or fall on snow and ice, contact one of our experienced personal injury team for a free no-obligation assessment of your case. Call us on 0845 287 0939, by email, or through the online chat below.