What To Do If You Slip And Fall At Christkindlmarket Due To Winter Hazards

Muhammad Ramadan | January 11, 2025 | Personal Injury

With festive food, drinks, and unique gifts in a charming outdoor setting, Chicago’s Christkindlmarket is a beloved holiday tradition. However, ice, snow, and other seasonal hazards can make any public space dangerous, and the bustling nature of the market only increases the potential for slip and fall incidents. 

Knowing what to do after an accident will help you protect your health and legal rights.

Assess Your Condition And Get Medical Help

Your safety should always be the top priority. If you fall, take a minute to evaluate your condition. Do not try to move if you think you’ve been seriously hurt, as that could make your injury worse. Call for medical help immediately or ask someone nearby to do it.

Even if you feel fine at first, injuries like sprains, fractures, and head trauma aren’t always immediately apparent. It’s best to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Your medical records will later serve as strong evidence if you choose to pursue a legal claim.

Document The Accident Scene

Icy pathways, uncleared snow, and puddles caused by melting ice are common culprits in wintertime slip and fall accidents. If you can, collect evidence of the conditions that caused your fall. 

Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the scene, including:

• The surface where you fell (e.g., icy patches, uneven pavement)
• The surrounding area to capture any warning signs (or lack thereof)
• Weather conditions at the time of the accident

Additionally, make a note of the exact time and place. If anyone saw you fall, ask for their contact info in case your lawyer needs to get their statement later.

Report The Fall

Don’t forget to notify market staff about the accident as soon as you can. They will likely write a report, so ask for a copy as soon as it’s available. When you talk to the staff, stick to the facts. Don’t make statements that downplay your injuries or suggest it was your fault.

Keep Records Of Expenses

A slip and fall accident may not sound like a big deal, but it can lead to hefty financial and personal losses. You’ll want records of all of these losses if you decide to file a claim. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal about all of your treatments, your emotional state, and any time missed from work due to the injury.

Talk To A Lawyer

The legal implications of a slip and fall accident can be complicated, especially when it comes to proving liability or calculating damages. An attorney who is skilled in personal injury law can make the process go more smoothly. They’ll go over the details of your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if it comes down to filing a lawsuit.

Premises Liability Law

Slip and fall cases typically fall under premises liability law. Property owners and managers (including event organizers) are supposed to maintain safe conditions for visitors. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, they could be held liable.

To prove negligence, you’ll need to be able to show that the responsible party:

• Knew or should have known about the dangerous condition
• Did not take reasonable steps to address or warn about the hazard

For example, if an icy sidewalk wasn’t salted or no one put out signs warning of slippery conditions, these lapses could count as negligence.

Protect Your Rights After A Fall

While the hope is that Christkindlmarket visitors have a safe and festive experience, slip and fall accidents caused by winter hazards can and do still happen. If you know how to respond in the aftermath, you’ll be better able to protect your health and legal rights.

Contact Our Chicago Slip and Fall Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced slip and fall lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:

Contact Our Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, Illinois, and need legal help, contact our experienced personal injury lawyers at Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

We proudly serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:

Attorneys of Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers
134 N La Salle St #2160
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 929-2884