Chicago is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Unfortunately, Chicago weather and personal injuries go hand in hand. Windy City weather brings bitter cold winters with snow and ice while the summer months bring hot and humid days with the occasional surprise thunderstorm. These conditions contribute to a host of personal injuries like car accidents, falls, and more.
While Chicago’s weather is an unavoidable aspect of life in the city, understanding how it contributes to accidents can help you prevent them. Here, the Chicago personal injury lawyers at Lerner and Rowe explain how the often erratic weather contributes to Chicago personal injuries and how you can prevent them.
Chicago Weather and Personal Injuries: Winter Weather Hazards
Winter in Chicago often has temperatures below freezing or even subzero. Snowstorms with accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are not uncommon. During the winter months, you might see personal injuries such as:
- Slip and falls from snow and icy conditions
- Car wrecks on slick roads
- Frostbite
- Winter sports related injuries
Chicago Weather and Personal Injuries: Summertime Risks
While winter in Chicago might seem like the obvious time of year for personal injuries but the summer months bring their own set of weather-related personal injuries:
- Electrocution from downed power lines, often resulting from downed power lines
- Swimming pool accidents
- Heat illnesses
- Burns from fireworks or grilling
Illinois Premises Liability Injuries and Chicago Weather
When it comes to Chicago weather and personal injuries, premises liability plays a crucial role in determining responsibility in falls due to slick surfaces. Under Illinois law, property owners have an obligation to visitors to provide safe premises, including addressing ice and snow.
However, Illinois has a natural accumulation rule that can be used as a defense in one of these accidents. Under this rule, property owners are not liable if someone slips and falls on naturally accumulated snow or ice. However, if a property owner attempts to remove it poorly—like if snow melt refreezes and creates slick spots—they can be held liable for injuries.
If a property owner hires a snow removal company, liability might change. However, if the company causes uneven snow piles or poorly cleared walkways, the property owner can still be held liable for any injuries.
Ways to Prevent Chicago Weather Personal Injuries
Both summer and winter weather in Chicago can lead to numerous personal injuries. From icy roads to slick pool decks, here are a few ways to prevent injuries in either season:
- Clear snow and ice from walkways and apply salt for traction and to help the ice and snow melt
- Drive slowly in snowy conditions and follow other cars at a safe distance
- When shoveling snow, take breaks and stay hydrated
- Always use handrails on outdoor stairs
- Dress appropriately to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, especially if you are going to be outside
- Stay hydrated when outside in high temperatures to avoid heatstroke
- Always wear sunscreen
- Avoid the outdoors during the hottest part of the day
- Keep areas around pools dry to prevent falls
- Drive slowly on wet roads after a thunderstorm
- Pull over until the storm clears if rain or hail reduces visibility
Whether it’s winter’s icy hazards or summer’s heat-related dangers, staying proactive is the key to preventing Chicago weather personal injuries and keeping everyone safe all year.
Injured Due to Chicago Weather? Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Lerner and Rowe
If you or a loved one are injured due to Chicago weather, a personal injury lawyer from Lerner and Rowe can help. A lawyer will help you navigate the legal process, determine fault, and fight the insurance company for your fair settlement to cover all your losses. They will be able to collect and save vital proof like images from the accident scene, statements of witnesses, and maintenance records. This evidence is crucial in proving the liability of a property owner and the severity of your injuries.
Lerner and Rowe’s team is available 24/7 to schedule your free consultation with our Chicago injury attorneys. You can reach out to us by phone at 708-222-2222 and online through encrypted online form or LiveChat.
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.