Winter Weather Means More Injuries

New Yorkers are all too familiar with winter weather. While you might be prepared for the snowflakes, are you ready for a winter-related injury? If not, the attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. are here to help. This page will discuss how prevalent winter-related injuries are, certain injuries that are common in the winter, and how you can keep yourself safe this season. If you are hurt in a winter-weather accident, contact our compassionate New York personal injury attorneys for immediate support and guidance.

Current Statistics

You might be surprised to learn just how common winter weather injuries are. Here are some current statistics to be aware of:

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), death rates in winter are consistently between 8 and 12 percent higher than in non-winter months.
• According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the historic cold wave and winter storm in February 2021 caused 262 deaths, making it the most deadly winter-related event in the last five years.
• The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that 200,000 people were treated in one recent year for winter sports-related injuries, most commonly from skiing and snowboarding.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers reported 20,460 workplace injuries related to ice, sleet, and snow in one recent year. Fourteen percent of these injuries occurred in the state of New York.
• According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 are injured in vehicle crashes on icy, slushy, or snowy roads annually.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more deaths are attributed to cold weather than hot weather in the U.S.
• According to the CDC, approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually from falling on ice and snow. About 17,000 of these falls lead to death.

Common Injuries

Common injuries suffered due to winter-related accidents, such as slips and falls, include the following:

• Broken bones
• Dislocations
• Soft tissue strains and sprains
• Facial injuries
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries

These injuries can be very expensive to treat, so talking to an experienced slip and fall lawyer is in your best interest. You can learn about your options for recovering compensation to pay for your medical expenses and other accident-related costs.

Preventing Injuries

To prevent weather-related injuries this winter, the personal injury lawyers at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., recommend you take the following precautions:

• Wear appropriate footwear that provides stability and traction on slick surfaces.
• Walk slowly and with care.
• Take small steps on slippery surfaces.
• Use handrails when available.
• Keep your hands free from objects and out of your pockets so you can use your hands for support if you start to fall.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Look out for vehicles before crossing the road, or when sledding. Cars may need more distance to stop on slick roads.
• Salt the sidewalks around your home.
• Avoid unnecessary journeys in extreme weather conditions.

What to Do After an Injury

If you suffer an injury this winter for which another person is to blame, you may be able to recover compensation from them. Regardless of the weather, property owners have a duty to provide a safe environment to guests. New York also has specific rules related to snow and ice removal they must follow. Motorists are responsible for taking precautions when driving in inclement conditions. If you think someone else is responsible for your winter-related injury, contact the New York personal injury attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We can discuss your legal options and guide you through the process of recovering compensation.

Author: David Resnick

Founder of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a New York personal injury law firm in charge of providing exceptional and personal service to each of our clients in various areas including car accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, construction accidents, and premises liability. David Resnick founded the firm in 1998 after working in large law firms where he saw a need for greater client communication and more personal care.