Alaska winters are beautiful—but they’re also dangerous. Snow-packed sidewalks, icy parking lots, and freezing rain can quickly turn everyday errands into serious hazards. Slip and fall accidents are particularly common during the winter months, and they can result in painful injuries, lost wages, and unexpected medical bills.
Understanding how to stay safe during Alaska’s winter season—and knowing what to do if you’re hurt—can make a significant difference in protecting your health and your legal rights.
Why Winter Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Common in Alaska
Alaska’s long winters and extreme temperatures create ideal conditions for slip-and-fall accidents. Common winter-related hazards include:
- Ice-covered sidewalks and entryways
- Snow accumulation in parking lots and stairways
- Black ice that is difficult to see
- Poor lighting during shorter daylight hours
- Improper snow removal or delayed ice treatment
Property owners, businesses, and landlords have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. When they fail to address these hazards, the risk of serious injury increases.
Common Injuries From Winter Slip and Falls
A slip and fall may seem minor at first, but these accidents often result in serious injuries, including:
- Broken bones, especially wrists, arms, ankles, and hips
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and tears
In colder weather, bulky clothing and winter boots can also affect balance, increasing the likelihood of a hard fall.
Tips to Stay Safe During Alaska’s Winter
While not all accidents can be avoided, taking precautions can help reduce your risk of slipping and falling.
Be Mindful of Footwear
Wear boots with good traction and non-slip soles. Avoid smooth or worn-out footwear that can easily slide on ice.
Walk Carefully
Take shorter steps, walk slowly, and keep your hands out of your pockets to help maintain balance. When possible, use handrails on stairs and ramps.
Watch for Hidden Ice
Black ice often blends in with pavement and is especially common in shaded areas, parking lots, and near entrances. Assume surfaces may be slippery even if they look clear.
Stay Alert in Parking Lots and Entryways
Many slip and fall accidents occur while entering or exiting vehicles or buildings. Pay extra attention to these high-risk areas.
What to Do After a Winter Slip and Fall Accident
If you are injured in a slip and fall accident, taking the proper steps can help protect both your health and any potential legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions—such as head or back injuries—may not show symptoms immediately.
Report the Accident
Notify the property owner, business manager, or landlord as soon as possible. Ask that an incident report be created and request a copy if available.
Document the Scene
If you are able, take photos or videos of the area where you fell, including ice, snow, poor lighting, or a lack of warning signs. These conditions can change quickly, especially during winter.
Gather Information
Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the fall or the hazardous condition.
Avoid Making Statements
Do not admit fault or downplay your injuries. Statements made shortly after an accident can be used against you later.
Understanding Premises Liability in Alaska
Slip and fall accidents often fall under premises liability law. In Alaska, property owners and occupiers may be held responsible when they fail to take reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions for visitors.
This may include:
- Failing to remove snow or ice within a reasonable time
- Not applying ice melt or sand to slippery surfaces
- Ignoring known hazards or failing to post warnings
Every case is unique, and liability depends on factors such as who owned or controlled the property and whether they knew, or should have known, about the dangerous condition.
Call to Action: Get Help After a Winter Slip and Fall Injury
If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter slip and fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Kelley & Canterbury has experience handling personal injury and premises liability cases and can help you understand your options.
An experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances of your fall, determine whether a property owner may be liable, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
To learn how Kelley & Canterbury can help after a slip and fall accident, contact the firm today at (888) 639-4817 to schedule a consultation.