Wyoming residents, you know the drill. When the snow starts flying and the temperatures drop, our already tough landscape turns into a slick, unforgiving hazard. Winter in the Cowboy State is beautiful, but it brings serious risks, especially the often-underestimated danger of slips and falls on icy sidewalks.
Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal, unintentional injury-related hospitalizations in Wyoming, and winter conditions only make the problem worse. Black ice and uneven, poorly maintained walkways are a serious threat to your health and independence. As experienced advocates for safety and responsibility, we want to help you take proactive steps this season.
Be Prepared: Gear Up for Safety
Your defense against an icy walkway starts before you even step outside.
Traction is Key: Ditch those worn-out soles. Invest in quality winter footwear with deep treads and non-slip rubber. If you frequently walk on ice, consider removable traction aids, like cleats or spikes, that fit over your boots.
Walk Like a Penguin: Seriously. When navigating slick spots, take short, shuffling steps. Keep your hands out of your pockets to maintain balance, and walk slowly. Your body weight should be centered directly over your front foot.
Wear Layers (and Watch the Sun): Layers help regulate your body temperature, which is essential. More importantly, be aware of the environment. Mid-day sun can melt snow, creating a layer of water that refreezes into dangerous black ice as evening approaches.
Property Owner Responsibility: Keeping Walkways Clear
For homeowners and commercial property owners, your duty doesn't end when the snow stops falling. Taking reasonable steps to maintain safe sidewalks is essential to prevent injury to yourself, your family, and others.
Shovel Early and Often: Fresh snow is lighter and easier to clear. Shovel as soon as possible after a snowfall. A quick-but-thorough job prevents snow from compacting into ice.
Salt, Sand, or Calcium Chloride: Once the surface is clear, treat it immediately. Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, but it's less effective in extremely cold temperatures. Sand adds immediate traction. Calcium chloride products are effective at lower temperatures and are often a preferred choice for our harsh Wyoming winters.
Watch for Downspouts and Melt-Runoff: Pay special attention to areas where water collects and freezes, such as at the base of downspouts or on the north-facing side of buildings where the sun rarely hits.
What If a Fall Happens?
Despite all precautions, accidents can still occur, often due to a property owner's negligence or a poorly maintained public space. A slip-and-fall on ice can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and chronic pain, leading to high medical costs and lost wages.
If you or a loved one is injured in a fall on someone else's property, remember that your rights matter. Premises liability laws in Wyoming require property owners to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
If you have suffered a serious slip and fall injury this winter and believe it was due to negligence, Bailey | Stock | Harmon | Cottam | Lopez LLP is ready to help. The team will listen to your story and advise you on your path forward.
Contact us today at F:P:Sub:Phone} for a consultation.