Winter Weather Hazards in Washington State
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful part of the country with a unique – if somewhat infamous – climate. Without a doubt, Seattle residents are well-acquainted with the cool, rainy weather and overcast skies that roll in every winter. However, many Seattleites may be surprised to learn that the winter weather experienced in this part of the country actually brings with it an increase in safety hazards and, as a result, an uptick in personal injury claims.
Those who spend their winters in the Pacific Northwest can and should familiarize themselves with some of the most common causes of weather-related injuries and take steps to protect themselves as best they can from these notorious safety concerns. Let’s discuss some of Seattle’s most pressing winter weather hazards and explore how a cooler climate can lead to an increase in personal injury claims.
Is there an increased risk of personal injury during the winter?
There is a wealth of research out there that supports the idea that incidents of personal injury tend to increase during the winter months. For example, the National Council on Compensation Insurance recently reported that 10% more workers’ compensation claims are filed on cold weather days than on fair weather days. Similarly, a study published by the American Meteorological Society noted that incidences of injury are “several times” more frequent during snow and ice events.
Cold temperatures, rainy weather and snow events can all pose a variety of risks to the health and safety of Pacific Northwesterners. Here are a few examples of winter weather hazards that may lead to bodily harm and personal injury cases for Seattle-area residents:
- Car accidents
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, roughly 21% of all motor vehicle crashes are attributable in some way to adverse weather. Nationwide, over 400,000 people are injured in these weather-related crashes each year, and many of these injuries may serve as the basis for personal injury insurance claims or legal cases. During the winter months, accidents can easily occur as a result of rain, snow, sleet, ice or fog, so it is vital for motorists to adopt safe driving protocols in addition to staying on top of their seasonal auto maintenance efforts.
Remember, the State of Washington uses a contributory fault system when assessing who bears responsibility for personal injury claims resulting from an automobile accident. This means that a driver who fails to properly winterize their vehicle may be held liable for a larger portion of an accident claim than a driver whose tires, brakes and/or windshield wipers had been appropriately maintained prior to an accident.
- Slip and fall incidents
You may be surprised to learn that falls and car accidents are the two leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in Washington State. It is generally accepted that the incidence of slip and fall accidents rises during the winter months, particularly during or immediately following a winter weather event. At this time of year, snow accumulation, icy surfaces and poor visibility can all contribute to an increased risk of incurring injuries related to an unintentional fall
Falls are often particularly common causes of personal injury for older adults. In fact, 31% of Washington residents over the age of 65 reported experiencing at least one unintentional fall in the year 2020. This is why it is so important for publicly owned and operated spaces – such as government buildings, public sidewalks and city parks – to be designed with accessibility in mind. It is also vital that these spaces be maintained in such a way as to mitigate the risks associated with winter weather hazards. In the event that an individual sustains an injury due to poorly maintained public facilities, he or she may be entitled to compensatory damages from the local government.
- Sports-related injuries
Many Americans report that they exercise regularly to maintain their health, but certain physical activities can actually pose health risks themselves, depending on the time of year in which they are performed. For example, current research estimates that over 50 million U.S. residents run or jog and over 100 million people walk for exercise, but the odds of sustaining an injury while engaging in these activities substantially increase in colder weather.
As reported by one researcher from Northern Michigan University, people running in lower temperatures tend to experience decreased muscle strength and proprioception, which makes them more prone to musculoskeletal injuries. This risk is substantially higher if an individual is walking or running on an icy surface or in rainy conditions. In cases where an individual sustains an injury as the result of exercising in an improperly maintained public or private location, it is possible that he or she could file a personal injury claim against the entity responsible for that maintenance.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
During the winter months, many residential and commercial spaces have to run their heating systems more often, which can contribute to an uptick in carbon monoxide poisoning cases. In 2023, the State of Washington reported 788 carbon monoxide incidents and one death related to carbon monoxide poisoning.
To mitigate the risks associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon monoxide detectors must be properly installed outside all sleeping areas on every level of your home and should be regularly tested and maintained. Batteries should be replaced regularly, and homeowners should fully replace the detectors themselves every 5-7 years. Additionally, homeowners should never use generators inside their homes – including their basements. If you rent your home, your landlord is required to install carbon monoxide detectors for you, but you are responsible for their upkeep. You may be entitled to compensatory damages if you become sick or injured due to carbon monoxide exposure that occurred as the result of a home or business owner’s negligence.
- Falling tree limbs
In the fall of 2020, KIRO 7 News in Seattle reported that over a 10-year period, Washington State had the second-highest number of deaths caused by falling tree limbs in the country. Death and injury can occur in situations where a tree brand or entire tree falls on a person, vehicle or building. These tree limb accidents may occur more frequently during the winter months as the result of increased precipitation and windy weather.
To avoid these issues, home and business owners must maintain their properties as meticulously as possible leading up to and throughout the winter months. Local governments are generally responsible for maintaining the trees in publicly owned spaces, so these entities may be held liable in cases where their negligence results in a member of the public being injured by a falling tree or branch.
What to do if you’re injured this winter
If you or a loved one experience a preventable injury as the result of any of the hazards outlined above or other weather-related risk factors, you may want to seek the counsel of a personal injury attorney. At Smith McBroom, our personal injury attorneys can provide guidance around who bears responsibility for various weather-related accidents and help injured parties seek compensatory damages to help them throughout their recovery process.
If you fall victim to a weather-related injury this year, reach out to us via phone or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a case evaluation. Our team of trial attorneys and law counselors will be standing by to offer you clarity and support as you navigate the legal process so you can focus on your healing journey.