Ankle Fractures from Falls on Snow and Ice: The Legal Implications and What Victims Should Know

Winter in Illinois brings not only picturesque snowfalls but also treacherous conditions that increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. One of the most common and serious injuries resulting from such accidents is an ankle fracture. Falls on icy or snow-covered surfaces can lead to devastating injuries, with ankle fractures among the most painful and debilitating. These fractures can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and time away from work, significantly impacting the physical and financial well-being of victims.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we have represented many clients who have suffered from ankle fractures due to falls on snow and ice. “Ankle fractures caused by falls on ice are especially serious because they can lead to long-term complications and impact a person’s ability to walk or return to work,” says Naperville premises liability attorney John J. Malm. With our offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our Naperville slip and fall lawyers have helped victims recover millions in compensation for these injuries, allowing them to focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities.

How Ankle Fractures Occur on Snow and Ice

Ankle fractures are particularly common in falls because the ankle joint is crucial in maintaining balance and absorbing the impact of a fall. When a person slips on snow or ice, their foot may twist or turn awkwardly as they try to regain balance, leading to an ankle fracture. The severity of the injury depends on how the ankle twists or bends, but these types of falls can cause a variety of fractures, including:

Lateral Malleolus Fractures: A break on the outside of the ankle.
Medial Malleolus Fractures: A break on the inside of the ankle.
Bimalleolar Fractures: A break on both the inside and outside of the ankle.
Trimalleolar Fractures: A break in three areas of the ankle, often requiring surgical intervention.

Slips and falls on ice are often unpredictable. A patch of black ice or uneven accumulation of snow can cause a person to fall without warning, making these types of accidents especially dangerous.

Factors Contributing to Ankle Fractures in Snow and Ice Falls

Liability for snow and ice falls in Illinois depends on whether the dangerous condition was due to an unnatural accumulation or other negligent actions. Homeowners are generally immune from liability for natural accumulations of snow and ice under Illinois law, but commercial property owners or other entities may still be held responsible in certain situations. Below are the key factors that can contribute to liability in slip and fall cases involving snow and ice:

Unnatural Accumulation of Ice:
- Property owners, particularly in commercial settings, may be held liable if snow or ice accumulates unnaturally. This often occurs due to poor drainage, leaking gutters, or uneven surfaces that cause water to pool and freeze. For example, if snow melts off a roof and drains onto a sidewalk, where it refreezes and creates a hazard, the property owner could be responsible for the dangerous condition. Illinois courts have consistently held property owners liable in cases involving unnatural accumulations.
Contractual Snow Removal Obligations:
- In situations involving homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or commercial entities, snow and ice removal is often handled by a contractor under the terms of a contract. If the contractor fails to properly remove snow and ice, resulting in an unnatural accumulation, they could be held liable for injuries that result. Contracts for snow removal often impose specific responsibilities, and failure to meet those obligations can expose contractors to liability (Murphy-Hylton v. Lieberman Management Services).
Negligent Snow Removal Practices:
- Commercial property owners or businesses are expected to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Improper or negligent snow removal practices—such as piling snow in areas where it can melt and refreeze—can create hazardous conditions. If a commercial property owner or their contractor performs negligent snow removal, they may be held liable for injuries caused by those conditions. This has been demonstrated in multiple Illinois cases, where improper snow removal directly contributed to dangerous ice patches.
Defective or Dangerous Property Conditions:
- Structural issues, such as broken steps, uneven sidewalks, or improperly designed drainage systems, can lead to dangerous conditions in winter months. When water pools and freezes on defective surfaces, it creates slip hazards. If a property owner fails to address these issues, they may be liable for accidents, especially in commercial settings where safe public access is expected. Illinois courts have ruled that property owners can be held responsible when dangerous property conditions, combined with natural snowfall, create an unnecessary hazard.

snow pile

Medical Treatment for Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures caused by falls on snow and ice can range from minor breaks that require only a cast or boot to severe fractures that need surgical intervention. Some fractures may result in long-term complications, such as chronic pain, arthritis, or reduced mobility. Common treatments for ankle fractures include:

Casting and Immobilization: For less severe fractures, doctors may recommend wearing a cast or boot for several weeks to allow the bone to heal. Patients may also need crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
Surgery: More severe fractures, such as bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures, often require surgery to realign the bones and insert metal plates or screws. Surgical recovery can take months, with patients requiring physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Physical Therapy: Once the bone has healed, physical therapy is often necessary to restore movement and strength to the ankle joint. Therapy can help prevent stiffness, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.
Long-Term Care: In some cases, victims of ankle fractures may experience complications such as arthritis or ongoing pain that requires long-term care or additional surgeries.

Proving Liability in Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Cases

To hold a property owner liable for an ankle fracture caused by a fall on snow or ice, the injured party must prove that the owner was negligent in maintaining the property. The focus will be on whether the property owner contributed to an unnatural accumulation or other hazardous conditions that led to the injury. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the dangerous condition was a result of negligent actions, such as improper snow removal or defective property conditions, rather than a naturally occurring hazard.

Compensation for Ankle Fractures from Snow and Ice Falls

Victims of slip and fall accidents on snow and ice may be entitled to compensation for their injuries as a result of a dangerous property condition. At John J. Malm & Associates, our award-winning Naperville slip and fall attorneys help clients recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages: If the injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both immediately following the accident and in the future if the injury impacts your long-term ability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Ankle fractures can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. We help clients pursue compensation for the suffering they experience due to their injuries.
Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care: For severe ankle fractures, rehabilitation and ongoing care may be necessary. We work to ensure that these long-term costs are included in the compensation.

How John J. Malm & Associates Helps Victims of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures caused by falls on snow and ice can be life-altering, requiring extensive medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and clear of dangerous accumulations of snow and ice. If you have suffered an ankle fracture due to a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the complexities of slip and fall cases involving snow and ice. Our experienced legal team works diligently to investigate the circumstances of your fall, gather evidence, and establish liability. We collaborate with medical experts to accurately assess the full extent of your injuries and the impact they will have on your life. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our dedicated Naperville premises liability lawyers are ready to assist you. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.