winter slip and fall

Published on: January 22, 2026

Winter Weather Warning for Metro Atlanta

As anyone who lived in Atlanta during the winter of 2014 can attest, winter storms pose unique challenges to metro areas in the Southern US, including Metro Atlanta. Without fast-acting salt trucks and other winter infrastructure, it’s often left to individuals to plan for safety. This weekend, the National Weather Service has issued a watch for winter weather in the greater Atlanta area as far south as Newnan/ Coweta County, from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. Experts say to expect potential ice accumulation up to 4/10 of an inch, with “power outages and tree damage likely due to the ice.” The weather service advises drivers to only travel if necessary, and to drive with great caution.

We advise drivers to prepare now if they think travel will be necessary during the watch period. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated can mean the difference between safe travel and an accident on icy roads. It is also important to fill your vehicle with gas; in cases where traffic becomes congested due to severe weather, you want enough gas to get safely home. The National Weather Service also advises packing a winter weather kit for your vehicle, with items such as booster cables, a flashlight, batteries for your flashlight, blankets, and extra clothing. In severe cases where vehicles are stranded, having these supplies is crucial.

Even if you don’t plan to drive during the weekend, consider safety when walking on icy sidewalks and outdoor steps. Here in Georgia we rarely consider this, but the wrong step on an icy cement can result in serious injury. Use the following tips to make your area safer for yourself and others:

Published on: January 7, 2013

Winter Weather Increases Slip and Fall Accident Hazards

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Over the next few months, Atlantans will find themselves at an increased risk of suffering a fall accident.Icy roads, sidewalks, and parking lots pose a serious walking challenge for people.

Our Atlanta slip and fall accident attorneys see many injuries that are the result of business owners failing to maintain a safe environment for visitors.However, in the winter months, we tend to see an increase in slip and fall accidents that may have been prevented with a bit more attention to the dangers that exist when ice is present.Below are some friendly reminders of how to stay safe this winter season.

The most important thing to do is wear smart and appropriate winter footwear while walking outside.Wear flat shoes or boots that have non-slip or high traction soles.Avoid wearing footwear that has smooth slippery soles.Also avoid stylish stiletto heels or other footwear that is impractical for walking on slick surfaces.

Published on: January 5, 2011

Beware of Atlanta Slip and Fall Accidents This Winter

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Slip and fall accidents cause significant and permanent personal injuries to individuals. Retailers and other property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for their visitors. Likewise, visitors have a responsibility not to walk in areas that are clearly hazardous. The recent winter weather has greatly increased the risk of slip and fall accidents. The initial snow freezes and turns to ice. Likewise, we see a great deal of black ice in the winter in Georgia. Black ice is a thin layer of ice that forms on top of pavement. Unfortunately, retailers are often not very good at identifying and removing black ice that is not readily visible to visitors. The result is a significant number of slip and fall accidents that could be prevented.

Some parts of Georgia, like Haralson County, have recorded a 2-inch accumulation of snow, and in some of these areas, it has been the first such recorded heavy snowfall in years. For instance, in Haralson County, it has been the first such snowfall recorded in more than 129 years. While the snow has meant a picture-perfect Christmas to Georgia residents, it is also important to know that these beautiful snowy conditions can contribute to a slip and fall hazard.

You can avoid many of these accident hazards, simply by wearing sensible footwear during such weather. Put away your stilettos and party shoes, and wear winter shoes or boots to avoid a fall. You can also use clamp-on accessories that can offer better grip to prevent a fall. Be especially careful when you step out of the main door every morning, and look out for treacherous ice. Most of the fall accidents during this weather occur because people aren’t used to such icy conditions, and forget that they need to take special precautions when they walk in such weather.