January in Alaska begins cozy, then gets long and dark. By the third week, everyone is ready to move around again. We get it. We also see how winter conditions make ordinary errands more challenging.
When winter turns risky
We helped a man who walked from his car toward a grocery store. The lot was slick, snow-covered, and rutted with ice. He slipped and broke both ankles. A mom picking up her daughter from gymnastics slipped on a sloped sidewalk where black ice formed under light snow. She left with a broken wrist.
Surfaces are cold, wet, uneven, or slick. Lighting is limited. Sometimes your footing disappears entirely.
When an injury involves someone else’s property
That is where responsibility can come into play. We see winter injuries tied to:
Stairs not cleared in a reasonable time
Slippery shared or common walkways
Poorly lit Arctic entries
Unmaintained entrances, steps, or porches
In these situations, duties often rest with a landlord, property manager, or owner who must maintain reasonably safe conditions. Learn the basics on Premises Liability.
A winter reminder
Cabin fever is real. The urge to just get it done is understandable. If you or a loved one is hurt on someone else’s property, take photos if possible, collect witness names, and make a report to the business or landowner’s insurer. For a calm step-by-step, see What to Do After an Accident.