Slip and Fall Injuries on Ice in Rhode Island
Slip and fall injuries on ice are common during winter in Rhode Island. When you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to bring a personal injury case against them. You must show that the property owner was negligent and that your injury resulted from this negligence. Many cases specifically involve a black ice slip and fall, which can be particularly dangerous and lead to serious injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Black Ice Slip and Fall
Slip and fall injuries fall under premises liability claims. The property owner is liable for your injury if you can prove negligence. To succeed, you must establish the four elements of negligence:
-
Duty of care: Landlords and business owners in Rhode Island must protect tenants and invited guests.
-
Breach of duty of care through action or omission: If the owner does not clear snow or black ice, they fail to protect visitors.
-
Breach is the direct cause of injuries: The property owner’s actions or inaction directly lead to the black ice slip and fall.
-
Damages occurred: You suffered injuries that required medical attention.
Examples of negligence include:
-
Failing to remove ice or snow from common areas
-
Allowing ice to accumulate on handrails or not removing hanging icicles
-
Not spreading salt, sand, or other anti-slip materials on sidewalks, ramps, stairways, or parking lots
Reasonable Care and Natural Accumulation
Landlords and business owners can argue they acted with reasonable care. This means taking steps to prevent black ice or removing it promptly once aware of it.
Rhode Island follows the natural accumulation rule. This gives property owners a reasonable amount of time to address icy conditions. For example, if you slip on black ice in a parking lot during an ongoing ice storm, the owner might not be considered negligent under this rule.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a black ice slip and fall, contact Inman & Tourgee online or call (401) 823-9200 to discuss your options. These cases can be complex, and an experienced attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.
