Snow may look peaceful, but Chicago winters turn sidewalks into danger zones. Ice hides beneath fresh snow, curbs freeze overnight, and one misstep can lead to a serious fall.
Every year, residents suffer winter slip and fall injuries that change how they move, work, and live. These accidents can lead to months of recovery and mounting medical costs.
When you understand the injuries that happen most often, you can take better precautions and know when to call for legal help if a property owner’s negligence caused your fall.
The Reality of Winter Slip and Fall Injuries
Each winter brings icy parking lots and uneven pavements that challenge even the most cautious pedestrians. A brief moment of lost footing can cause life-changing harm. These injuries are not rare or mild; they often involve hospital visits, physical therapy, and missed work.
From neck strains to traumatic brain injuries, winter falls affect people of all ages. Recognizing these dangers is the first step toward safer winters and stronger recovery plans.
Neck Injuries
Neck injuries are common in falls, including whiplash. When a person falls, blunt force trauma can injure the neck and shoulders. However, the whipping motion of the head caused by the hard, sudden impact can also cause a severe case of whiplash. Some neck injuries heal with time and rest.
However, some victims may experience long periods of chronic pain and limited motion. Victims might require physical therapy and other medical treatment to heal from a neck injury caused by a fall.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Fractures and broken bones are another common type of fall injury. Ankle and wrist fractures are common in winter falls, but it is also common to break other bones in winter slips and falls.
A clean break could take six to eight weeks to heal. However, a complex fracture that requires surgery to repair, using plates, pins, and screws, could take much longer to heal. Additionally, some broken bones can cause permanent impairment, depending on the severity of the injury.
Brain Injuries
A person falling can strike their head on the ground or nearby objects, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In some cases, the impact of the fall can cause the head to whip back and forth as it does in a rear-end accident.
If the head whips strongly enough back and forth, it can cause brain damage because the brain moves within the skull causing damage where it collides with the hard bone.
In either case, the resulting traumatic brain injury can cause long-term cognitive, physical, emotional, and intellectual problems. A TBI can also increase the risk of developing degenerative brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Back Injuries
Winter slip and fall accidents can cause serious back injuries. Back injuries can include spinal cord injuries, ruptured discs, and fractured vertebrae.
Depending on the type of back injury, a slip and fall victim could be partially or completely paralyzed, suffer chronic pain, or have a limited range of motion. The result could impact the person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or care for their family.
What to Do After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident in Chicago
After a fall, prioritize your health and your rights. Report the incident to the property owner and seek medical attention immediately. Documentation from a doctor supports your case later and helps track the extent of your injuries.
Chicago property owners have a legal duty to clear ice and snow. When they fail to maintain safe walkways, they can be held responsible for resulting injuries. Victims may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering with help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.
How a Slip and Fall Attorney Builds Your Case
A skilled attorney investigates the conditions that caused your fall, collects witness statements, reviews surveillance footage, and consults with medical experts. Every detail matters when proving negligence. The right legal strategy helps victims recover fair compensation and avoid being pressured into quick settlements from insurance companies.
Those injured on the job may also benefit from working with a workers’ compensation lawyer who understands Illinois workplace injury laws.
Reclaim Your Strength with Costa Ivone
At Costa Ivone, we know that winter slip and fall injuries can disrupt every part of life. Our team helps clients rebuild physically, emotionally, and financially. From back and brain injuries to broken bones and neck trauma, we guide victims through each stage of the recovery and claims process.
Our approach focuses on real people, real injuries, and real results. We stand with Chicago residents who deserve accountability and a path to healing.
If a winter fall has left you struggling with pain or mounting expenses, reach out for support today. Speak directly with our team, and let’s turn this difficult season into your first step toward recovery and justice.