What to Do If You’re Injured on the Job This Winter
Winter in Connecticut can be tough on workers. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures not only make jobs harder—they make them more dangerous. Whether you work outdoors or travel between job sites, understanding how to handle a workplace injury in cold weather is critical.
At Sousa Law, we help injured workers across Connecticut secure the benefits they need to recover and move forward after an accident.
Common Winter-Related Workplace Injuries
Cold weather increases the likelihood of workplace accidents. Here are some of the most common injuries we see during Connecticut winters:
Slips and Falls on Ice or Snow
Icy sidewalks, parking lots, and loading areas are a leading cause of winter injuries. Falls often lead to broken bones, back injuries, and concussions.
Frostbite and Hypothermia
Outdoor workers—like construction crews, delivery drivers, and utility workers—are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause long-term health issues.
Overexertion and Lifting Injuries
Winter often requires heavy lifting, from moving snow-clearing equipment to handling salt bags. Without proper technique, these tasks can lead to muscle strains and back injuries.
Vehicle Accidents While Working
Delivery drivers, service technicians, and other employees who drive for work face higher risks during snowy or icy conditions.
Falling Objects from Snow or Ice
Snow and ice can accumulate on roofs or structures, falling unexpectedly and injuring workers below.
How Workers’ Compensation Covers Winter Injuries
Under Connecticut law, workers’ compensation provides benefits to employees who are injured while performing their job duties, regardless of who was at fault.
These benefits may include:
Medical coverage for hospital visits, treatment, and physical therapy
Wage replacement for missed time at work
Partial or permanent disability benefits for lasting injuries
Vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job
Even if the injury was caused by slippery conditions, employer oversight, or an unavoidable accident, you may still qualify for compensation.
What to Do If You’re Injured on the Job This Winter
Taking the right steps after a workplace injury helps protect both your health and your legal rights:
Report the injury immediately. Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as it happens. Connecticut law requires timely reporting to avoid claim delays.
Seek medical attention. Even minor injuries can worsen over time, especially in cold weather.
Document the details. Take photos of the area where the injury occurred, note weather conditions, and collect witness names if possible.
File a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer should provide the necessary forms. Be clear about how and where the injury happened.
Contact an attorney. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, deal with insurance adjusters, and ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.
Special Considerations for Winter Injuries
Winter injuries can sometimes lead to disputes about liability. For example:
If you slip on ice in a parking lot, your employer or property manager may debate who is responsible for maintenance.
Injuries linked to cold exposure may be questioned if the employer claims proper gear or breaks were provided.
Pre-existing injuries can complicate claims if they’re aggravated by cold weather or heavy lifting.
At Sousa Law, we handle these complexities every day. Our team helps injured workers gather the evidence they need to prove their injury was work-related and secure the benefits they deserve.
Stay Safe and Know Your Rights
While you can’t always prevent accidents, taking precautions—like wearing proper footwear, staying alert, and pacing your workload—can reduce your risk.
If you’re injured on the job this winter, you don’t have to face the process alone. Sousa Law helps Connecticut workers navigate claims, appeals, and benefit disputes with care and commitment.
Call (203) 929-8283 today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and recover after a workplace injury.