With winter around the corner we all have things we can look forward to, whether it be Christmas day, or cosy nights in.

But, the winter season also brings with it more risks that can lead to personal injuries. According to the London Ambulance Service, icy conditions can cause more than a 50% rise in injuries from falls.

That’s why this winter you need to be aware of the potential risks out there so you can protect yourself the best you can. But, if the worst does happen, you should also know where you can find support regarding personal injury compensation.

With that being said, here’s our top risks to look out for this winter, and who’s responsible for them when it comes to personal injury compensation:

Dark nights

The sun setting earlier in the day brings us darker and longer nights. While this invites a longing for staying in and keeping cosy, we still have to venture out and brace the winter elements.

Darker nights equate to more risks in public spaces, decreasing overall visibility of ourselves, those surrounding us and any hazardous objects that may be present. Therefore, at this time of year we must try extra hard to bring risks to attention and keep public areas well lit.

If you’re a cyclist it is imperative that you wear bright, reflective clothing and install flashlights on the front and rear of your bike. It is also the duty of local councils to make sure that public areas are well lit in the evening so pedestrians and drivers can assess their surroundings properly.

Ice

As temperatures drop we have to become more wary of ice on the ground. Ice is already a hazard, but combine it with darker nights and it creates a higher risk factor. Not to mention black ice, which is already hard to spot.

Naturally, it is a lot easier to become a victim to a slip, trip or fall in these conditions. What you can do to lower the chances of this happening is make sure you are wearing suitable footwear. A solid boot with slip resistant soles is essential. Likewise, try to stay out of poorly lit areas as much as possible, especially if temperatures are freezing or below.

It is the local authority’s responsibility to lower the chances of winter accidents in public as much as they can. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to grit every road and pathway, but public areas with high footfall should definitely be well maintained. Likewise, private businesses and households have a duty to make sure that their premises and its surroundings are safe.

Falling snow

Similarly, winter weather conditions bring with it risks around falling snow. As well as ice, snow is a major hazard when it comes to slips trips and falls. But there are other issues it can bring about too.

Other risks to be careful of when it comes to falling snow are those surrounding poor visibility. This can affect both drivers and pedestrians. When snow falls and fills the air it can block our vision and make us more vulnerable to other hazards around us. In this instance it is a lot harder to decipher responsibility and prove negligence, so it is generally advised to stay indoors during heavy snowstorms.

It is also particularly dangerous when falling snow gathers on rooftops above us. If it is not cleared large amounts can fall at once, injuring vulnerable passers by below. In this instance the owner of the property could be at fault, especially if they had been warned prior about the risks and failed to take action within a ‘reasonable timescale’.

Wind

It is usually around this time that we see wind speeds increase across the UK. Again, certain accidents caused by the elements are difficult to place blame on. For instance, if you’re out in gale force winds and they knock you over. In legal terms this is deemed as an ‘Act of God’, and no third party is responsible. However, there are still scenarios where personal injury compensation is possible.

Strong winds can not only knock you over, but they can cause the likes of trees or telephone poles to collapse. In instances like this it could be the case that some third parties hold some responsibility.

Those who own the land where the fallen tree grew could be liable. This is if someone has been injured in the process of the tree falling, or if they have failed to clear up the fallen tree and an accident has occurred afterwards. Likewise, the company who owns the telephone pole will be responsible for it.

Looking to make a personal injury compensation claim this winter?

At this time of year the risk of accidents happening is a lot higher. Luckily, there are people out there ready to help and support you.

George Edwards, Personal Injury Specialist at Winn Solicitors explains the importance of supportive liability claim services:

“Having an accident in a public area can be an extremely stressful situation. From the initial injury to having to take time off work, an accident can have far reaching effects on your day-to-day to life. People often avoid making a claim because they are not aware that they can bring a claim, or are unaware how straightforward the claims process can be.

“If you have suffered an injury and you deserve compensation, Winn Solicitors can help you make a claim.”

If you’re looking for support to make a public liability claim, get in touch with Winn Solicitors today.

With a dedicated team of legal specialists in public liability claims, they can give you the support you need, and help you achieve the personal injury compensation you deserve without the stress.