Winter in Utah brings stunning mountain vistas, ski season in full swing, and, unfortunately, hazardous walking conditions. Slip and fall accidents on icy sidewalks and in store parking lots are common during the colder months, especially in areas like downtown Salt Lake City, Sugar House, Provo Towne Centre, or outside big-box stores near Valley Fair Mall in West Valley City. If you’ve been injured after slipping on ice outside a business, you may wonder: Can I sue the store? The answer depends on several legal factors. This blog explores your rights under Utah law and how a Utah slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help.
Understanding Winter Premises Liability in Utah
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and businesses responsible for maintaining safe conditions for customers and visitors. During Utah’s icy winter months, this responsibility includes removing snow and ice from walkways, entryways, and parking lots within a reasonable amount of time.
Winter premises liability cases hinge on whether the store or property owner acted reasonably. For example, if a snowstorm just occurred and a customer slips moments later, the store may not be liable because it didn’t have sufficient time to respond. But if ice has been accumulating in a busy entryway for hours or days and nothing was done to clear it, that could be considered negligence.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents on Ice Happen?
In Utah, slip and fall accidents due to ice commonly occur:
- In-store parking lots: Especially near high-traffic retail areas like The Gateway in Salt Lake City or the Riverwoods shopping district in Provo
- On sidewalks and store entrances: Business owners are expected to de-ice areas where customers enter or exit, such as sidewalks or ramps leading to stores like Costco, Target, or Harmons
- In stairwells or building entrances: Moisture tracked inside can refreeze or cause slick indoor surfaces
When you’ve suffered an icy sidewalk injury in Utah, it’s critical to document where it happened and under what conditions. Not every fall is grounds for a lawsuit, but many are.
Key Elements of a Successful Store Slip and Fall Claim
To pursue a personal injury claim against a store for a slip and fall on ice, you must show that:
- The store owed you a duty of care: As a customer, you are considered an invitee under Utah law, meaning the store has a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions
- The store breached that duty: This could mean failing to shovel, salt, or warn you of dangerous icy areas
- You were injured because of the breach: There must be a direct link between the unsafe condition and your injury
- You suffered damages: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses must be proven
A Utah slip-and-fall accident lawyer can investigate these elements, gather evidence, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall on Ice
Your actions immediately following a fall can significantly affect the strength of your claim. Here’s what you should do if you experience a store slip and fall on ice:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or internal bruising may not show symptoms right away
- Take photographs: Capture the icy conditions, lack of signage, or snow buildup around the area
- Report the incident: Notify the store manager or property owner and ask for a written incident report
- Gather witness contact info: Statements from those who saw the fall or noticed unsafe conditions can help support your case
Can Stores Avoid Responsibility by Hiring Snow Removal Companies?
Some stores outsource snow and ice removal to third-party contractors, but that doesn’t automatically absolve them of liability. If a store contracts snow removal but fails to monitor the conditions or respond to recurring icy spots, they may still be liable under Utah’s winter premises liability laws. A Utah slip-and-fall accident lawyer can help determine if both the store and the contractor share fault.
Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents on Ice
An icy sidewalk injury in Utah can cause serious harm, particularly among older adults or those with mobility limitations. Some of the most frequent injuries include:
- Broken bones: Especially ankles, hips, and wrists
- Head injuries: Including concussions and traumatic brain injuries from hitting the pavement
- Back and spinal injuries: Caused by hard impacts or awkward falls
These injuries often require extensive treatment, and the financial impact can be significant. Compensation may cover:
- Medical expenses: Hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications
- Lost income: Time off work or reduced ability to earn in the future
- Pain and suffering: Reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and physical pain
How Comparative Fault Affects Your Claim
Utah follows a modified comparative fault rule in personal injury cases. This means if you’re partially responsible for the accident, your compensation could be reduced. For instance, if you wore improper footwear or ignored visible warning signs, you may be found partially at fault.
Here’s how it works:
- If you’re 0–49% at fault: You can recover damages, but they will be lowered according to your percentage of fault
- If you’re 50% or more at fault: You may be barred from recovering compensation altogether
An experienced attorney can help minimize any unfair blame and ensure your claim is evaluated properly.
Why Legal Help Is Critical After a Winter Slip and Fall
Store owners and their insurers often try to avoid paying out claims by blaming the weather or accusing victims of carelessness. It can be difficult to prove that the store failed in its duty without legal assistance. A skilled attorney can investigate the conditions, request store surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish liability.
Slip-and-fall cases involving snow and ice are notoriously complex. Factors like snowfall records, weather reports, and snow removal logs can make or break a case. Whether your fall occurred outside a grocery store in Orem, a strip mall in Layton, or a ski rental shop in Park City, your right to compensation depends on building a strong case.
Call a Utah Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer Today
If you slipped on ice outside a store in Utah and suffered injuries, you may have a valid legal claim. The winter months bring added responsibilities for businesses, and when they fail to protect their customers, they should be held accountable. An experienced Utah slip-and-fall accident lawyer at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (801) 500-4000 for a free consultation.
