Although the Spring Equinox may be upon us, it seems that Mother Nature may not be done having her wintry way with Coloradans. While the daytime temps may creep up into the 50s or even 60s, the cold nighttime weather can cause a patina of ice to form over any lingering precipitation.

That can wreak havoc for pedestrians trying to navigate parking lots and sidewalks in order to patronize local businesses. One misstep on a slick surface could leave you with serious injuries like broken bones or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Is someone liable for your injuries in a slip-and-fall?

They might be. It depends on the circumstances. Owners of businesses have a duty to exert reasonable care for visitors’ safety when they are patronizing their companies. That means that if their walks or parking lots are covered in ice or snow, they must do what is necessary to clear it before someone slips, falls and is injured. The laws on the books protect both invitees and licensees who enter the properties for legal purposes.

What should you do after a slip-and-fall?

You should notify the owner or manager of the business where your injury occurred. If you are able to do so safely without causing more injuries to yourself, snap a few photos of the area where your fall occurred. Focus on the icy walk or drifts of snow that hid underlying obstacles that caused or contributed to your fall.

Get medically evaluated after a Colorado slip-and-fall?

After such an injury, adrenaline can flood your bloodstream and disguise the severity of your injuries and pain. What you brush off as a minor nuisance could wind up being a torn ACL or damaged meniscus of the knee. Worse, head injuries can cause underlying brain bleeds that can quickly turn fatal without immediate life-saving treatment.

Then, it is always prudent to learn more about the process of filing a claim for damages to cover the medical bills from your mishap.