Slip and falls involving snow or ice in Mankato can expose you to severe injuries. These injuries can negatively impact your finances if you have to see a doctor and incur costly medical expenses.

You may have a viable lawsuit against a property owner if you have suffered an injury due to snow or icy conditions. Schedule a free initial meeting with one of our compassionate slip and fall attorneys in Southern Minnesota to discuss your case.

Injuries From Slip and Falls on Snow or Ice

Potential injuries from slipping and falling on snow or ice in Mankato can range from minor to life-threatening. Even a mild ankle sprain can lead to long-term chronic pain.

Falling due to poor weather conditions can be devastating and life-changing, resulting in injuries such as:

Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Claims

Whether you can recover compensation after a snow or ice-related slip and fall in Mankato will depend, in part, on where the accident occurred. Private property owners have a general duty of care under state common law to keep their premises in reasonably safe conditions for invited or expected guests.

A court could find that a property owner breached their duty of care if they failed to clean up snow or ice on their sidewalk or failed to use mitigating substances such as salt or sand.

However, the property owner’s liability will depend on other facts surrounding the accident. For example, the property owner must have been aware of the hazard and have had a reasonable amount of time to remove it.

A successful negligence claim requires that the plaintiff prove the breach of duty was the proximate cause of their injuries. Additionally, the injury must have caused damages for the plaintiff. Damages can include economic losses, such as medical bills or lost wages, and non-economic harm, like pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional distress.

Municipalities Have Certain Immunity From Slip and Fall Claims

Municipalities are generally liable for injuries caused by the negligent actions of their agents or employees under Minn. Stat. Ann. § 466.02. However, you may have more difficulty recovering damages if a slip and fall from snow or ice happens on government property in Mankato.

According to Minn. Stat. Ann. § 466.03, municipalities have general legal immunity from tort claims resulting from snow and ice accumulations on highways or public sidewalks.

However, a municipality may still be liable if the accident occurred on a sidewalk that abuts a public building or parking lot. There is no immunity if a municipality’s negligence affirmatively causes hazardous conditions.

If pursuing a claim against a municipality, you must provide the government with notice of the injury within 180 days of the incident under Minn. Stat. Ann. § 466.05. A seasoned personal injury attorney can help you file a claim on time with the appropriate documentation.

Call a Mankato Lawyer For Help With a Slip and Fall Case Involving Snow or Ice

Speak to one of our attorneys as soon as possible if you have experienced a slip and fall involving snow or ice in Mankato.

Our trusted legal team can help fight for your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Call today to schedule a complimentary meeting.