Key Takeaways:
- Utah’s first snowfall each winter leads to a sharp increase in slip and fall accidents, especially on untreated sidewalks and parking lots.
- Property owners in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and throughout Utah have a legal duty to remove snow and ice to prevent injuries.
- Victims of winter slip and fall accidents may have grounds for a premises liability claim with help from Steele Adams Hosman.
When the first snowflakes fall over Salt Lake City or Ogden, Utah residents brace themselves for the beauty and the hazards of winter. While the Wasatch Front transforms into a postcard-perfect landscape, the ice that lingers beneath that snow can create serious dangers for pedestrians. Each year, hospitals and urgent care centers across northern Utah see a dramatic spike in slip and fall injuries immediately following the season’s first major snowfall.
At Steele Adams Hosman, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents can change lives. A simple errand to the grocery store or a quick walk to the office can end in a painful injury, costly medical bills, and weeks, or even months, of recovery time. Understanding why these incidents occur and what property owners are legally required to do can make all the difference in staying safe and knowing your rights.
Why Slip and Fall Accidents Surge After Utah’s First Snowfall
Utah’s weather patterns are unpredictable, especially in early winter. Warm afternoons can melt snow, while overnight temperatures quickly refreeze it into black ice: invisible, slick, and dangerous. This freeze-thaw cycle is especially hazardous in urban areas like Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Layton, where shaded sidewalks and sloped driveways collect ice that lingers for days.
Some of the most common causes of early-season slip and fall injuries include:
- Untreated sidewalks and walkways: Many property owners underestimate how quickly snow and ice accumulate, leaving paths unsafe for hours or days.
- Poor lighting: Shorter winter days make it difficult to see black ice in parking lots and near entryways.
- Inadequate drainage: Blocked gutters and downspouts can cause melting snow to pool and refreeze overnight.
- Delayed snow removal: After the first storm of the season, many property owners aren’t prepared with salt, shovels, or professional plowing services.
When these conditions go unaddressed, the results can be devastating: fractured wrists, broken hips, concussions, or even traumatic brain injuries. Older adults are especially vulnerable, and even a minor fall can lead to long-term health complications.
Property Owners’ Legal Duty During Winter in Utah
Under Utah premises liability law, property owners (both residential and commercial) have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. That includes taking timely steps to remove snow and ice after a storm.
This duty applies to:
- Homeowners who invite guests or allow mail carriers and delivery drivers onto their property.
- Businesses, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers, where customers are expected to visit regularly.
- Landlords and property managers, who are responsible for maintaining common areas in apartment complexes or office buildings.
If a property owner fails to take reasonable measures to clear snow or warn visitors about icy conditions, they can be held legally liable for injuries that occur as a result.
What Counts as “Reasonable” Snow and Ice Removal?
Utah law doesn’t specify an exact time frame, but courts generally expect property owners to act within a reasonable period after a snowfall. For example:
- Shoveling or salting walkways within several hours after a storm ends.
- Posting warning signs or cones if an area remains icy.
- Contracting professional snow removal services when necessary.
A failure to act promptly, especially in high-traffic areas like parking lots, store entrances, or apartment stairways, can constitute negligence.
Common Trouble Spots in Salt Lake City and Ogden
Slip and fall accidents in Utah tend to cluster around areas with heavy foot traffic or inconsistent maintenance. In Salt Lake City, the steep slopes near Capitol Hill and the Avenues can turn treacherous with just a thin layer of ice. Downtown sidewalks near Main Street, Temple Square, and the City Creek area often see early-morning falls before crews can salt and shovel.
In Ogden, residents frequently report accidents near Historic 25th Street, where uneven brick sidewalks can trap melting snow. Parking lots near Weber State University, grocery stores, and shopping centers like Newgate Mall are also common locations for winter slip and fall injuries.
These are not isolated incidents; they reflect a widespread issue across Utah’s urban centers. Property owners must be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to winter safety.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident
If you’re hurt after slipping on snow or ice, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your potential legal claim.
1. Get Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms, like concussions or internal injuries, may not appear right away. Seeking prompt medical care creates a documented record of your condition.
2. Take Photos and Notes
If possible, photograph the area where you fell, including any visible ice, lack of warning signs, or poor lighting. Capture the time, date, and weather conditions.
3. Report the Incident
Notify the property owner, store manager, or landlord as soon as possible. Ask for a written report, and keep a copy for your records.
4. Preserve Evidence
Keep your shoes and clothing from the incident, as they may serve as evidence if your case goes to court. Also, record contact information for any witnesses who saw your fall.
5. Contact a Utah Premises Liability Attorney
Proving negligence in a slip and fall case can be complex. Insurance companies often try to blame the victim, claiming the hazard was “open and obvious.” An experienced attorney at Steele Adams Hosman can investigate the property’s maintenance history, gather witness statements, and work with experts to build a strong claim.
How Steele Adams Hosman Helps Slip and Fall Victims
At Steele Adams Hosman, we understand that a fall on icy ground can do far more than bruise your pride; it can turn your life upside down. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling premises liability cases across Utah, from Salt Lake City to Ogden and beyond.
When you choose our team, you get:
- Thorough investigation: We gather surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and weather data to prove negligence.
- Medical documentation support: We work with your healthcare providers to establish the full extent of your injuries and future treatment needs.
- Negotiation and litigation strength: Whether dealing with a homeowner’s insurance claim or a commercial liability dispute, our attorneys are trial-ready and committed to maximizing your recovery.
We’ve helped countless Utah residents recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering after winter falls.
Hurt in a slip and fall accident? Call Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you recover.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents: Tips for Property Owners
For property owners, prevention is the best defense. Taking simple, proactive steps can save lives, and protect against liability.
- Shovel early and often: Don’t wait until the snow stops falling to start clearing walkways.
- Use salt or de-icer liberally: Apply before and after storms, especially in shaded or sloped areas.
- Maintain lighting: Replace burnt-out bulbs and ensure exterior lights illuminate all entryways and paths.
- Fix drainage issues: Prevent refreezing by directing meltwater away from walkways.
- Post warning signs: Clearly mark slippery areas until they’re safe.
By following these guidelines, homeowners and businesses can help reduce the number of preventable injuries that occur every winter.
Comfort and safety should never depend on the weather. If you’ve been injured after Utah’s first snowfall, let our experienced attorneys help you move forward with confidence. Your recovery matters. Call Steele Adams Hosman today to schedule your free consultation.
