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If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Biloxi, you need legal representation to help you navigate the complexities of your case. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, our team of slip and fall lawyers is committed to securing the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Whether the accident occurred on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions or negligence, we are here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward justice.

How Weather Affects Slip and Fall Claims in Biloxi

Slip and fall accidents are a common cause of personal injury claims, and weather conditions can play a significant role in these incidents. Whether it’s rain, snow, ice, or even high humidity, weather can create hazards that increase the likelihood of slips and falls, especially in outdoor areas. In Biloxi, the combination of coastal weather, rain, and high humidity creates unique challenges for both property owners and people who suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions. Understanding how weather affects slip and fall claims is crucial if you’ve been injured in such an accident. 

The Impact of Rain and Wet Surfaces

Rain is a common weather condition in Biloxi, especially during the summer months when storms and heavy downpours are frequent. Wet surfaces are one of the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Sidewalks, parking lots, and even the floors inside businesses can become dangerously slippery when it rains. Property owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, which includes addressing wet conditions.

For example, if a business or property owner fails to clean up water inside a building or salt a walkway outside, they could be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. However, it’s important to note that the owner’s knowledge of the hazard and the time it’s been present can affect your case. If the water puddle had been there for only a few minutes, it might be harder to prove negligence than if the spill had been present for hours without any attempt to clean it up.

Ice and Snow: Less Common but Still a Threat

Though snow and ice are less frequent in Biloxi compared to northern regions, they do occur occasionally, and they can pose serious slip and fall risks. Ice is particularly dangerous because it is often difficult to spot. Black ice, a thin layer of ice that forms on sidewalks and roads, can be nearly invisible to the naked eye, making it easy for someone to slip without warning.

When ice forms on steps, walkways, or parking lots, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to take necessary precautions. This includes salting or sanding areas that are prone to freezing. Failure to maintain safe conditions during icy weather can result in liability for any accidents that happen as a result. In some cases, property owners may try to argue that they couldn’t have reasonably prevented the formation of ice, but that doesn’t absolve them of their duty to mitigate known hazards.

High Humidity and Slippery Surfaces

Biloxi’s climate is also known for its high humidity levels, which can lead to slippery conditions, even without rain. High humidity can cause surfaces like floors, steps, and handrails to become slick, especially when they are made of materials like tile, marble, or metal. This makes it easy for people to lose their footing and fall, even in relatively dry weather.

For property owners, this creates an ongoing challenge. They must regularly monitor and clean surfaces that are prone to becoming slippery due to moisture in the air. Failing to maintain these surfaces or warn visitors about the potential risks can lead to liability in the event of a fall.

Wind and Debris

In addition to rain, snow, and humidity, wind is another weather condition that can affect slip and fall risks. High winds can blow debris onto sidewalks or walkways, creating tripping hazards. Fallen branches, leaves, and other objects can cause a person to trip and fall, leading to injury.

Property owners should regularly check the grounds and surrounding areas for debris, especially during periods of high winds. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they could be held responsible. While a gust of wind that blows debris onto a walkway might be an unavoidable occurrence, property owners are expected to remove any obstacles that pose a clear hazard.

How Weather Conditions Can Affect Liability

When weather plays a role in a slip and fall accident, it can complicate liability claims. For instance, a property owner may try to argue that the weather conditions were unpredictable, or that they couldn’t have reasonably prevented the hazard. However, property owners are still required to take precautions when adverse weather is anticipated, especially if they know that certain areas are prone to becoming hazardous.

If a slip and fall occurs in the middle of a storm, it may be harder to prove that the property owner was negligent, but this doesn’t mean you have no case. Documentation, such as photographs, eyewitness accounts, and maintenance records, can be crucial in these situations. In some cases, the property owner may have a history of similar incidents that could help prove negligence.

Proving Your Case After a Weather-Related Fall

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by weather conditions, there are several things you can do to strengthen your case:

1. Document the Scene: As soon as possible, take photos of the area where you fell, especially if the weather played a role in your injury. For instance, if the pavement was wet or icy, document this condition. If possible, take pictures of the weather conditions at the time of the accident.
   
2. Get Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses to the fall, ask for their contact information and a statement about what they saw. Eyewitness accounts can help establish that the property owner was negligent in maintaining the premises.
   
3. Medical Records: Seek medical attention immediately after your fall, even if the injury seems minor. Medical records can help establish the severity of your injury and provide evidence that the fall was the direct cause.
   
4. Maintenance Records: If you are suing a business or landlord, ask for maintenance records to see if they had a regular cleaning or upkeep schedule for their property. This can help show whether the property owner was neglectful in maintaining safe conditions.

Let Our Slip and Fall Lawyers Fight for You

A slip and fall injury can change your life in an instant, but with the right legal team, you don’t have to face it alone. At Brown, Bass & Jeter, we’re more than just lawyers—we’re advocates who are passionate about getting you the justice and compensation you deserve. Our slip and fall lawyers in Biloxi understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to ensure your voice is heard. Don’t settle for less—reach out to us at (601) 327-4024 for a free consultation. Let us take the burden off your shoulders and help you move forward with confidence.