The responsibility of clearing ice and snow changes depending on the location and circumstances. It is likely the responsibility of municipal or state authorities on public roads and sidewalks. A slip and fall lawyer can represent you when you suffer a loss or injury due to negligence of the authority or property owner. Here is a breakdown of the responsibilities for clearing ice and snow in different situations:
Property Owners
In residential neighborhoods, property owners are responsible for clearing the sidewalks and driveways in front of their properties. This includes removing snow and ice accumulation and applying salt to prevent slips and falls. You are expected to alert your tenants, guests, or visitors of any hazardous conditions and take appropriate measures to make the area safe.
Business Owners
If you own a business, you are responsible for clearing snow and ice from your parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances. If your business receives a high traffic volume, a slip-and-fall may happen if you don’t clear the way. To protect your customers and employees, you should take some preventative measures. These could include having a snow removal plan and regularly checking for hazards.
Negligence can lead to legal liability, where injured individuals can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for their damages. You may also be responsible for any injuries on your property if you fail to maintain it and properly support safe conditions. Clearing ice and snow is the business owner’s responsibility, as is maintaining a secure environment for your customers and employees. If an area is particularly slippery or closed off due to snow and ice, you can install a warning sign.
Municipal or State Authorities
The responsibility of clearing snow and ice from public areas such as sidewalks, roads, and parking lots typically falls on the municipal authority. They are responsible for maintaining safe conditions in these areas to prevent accidents and injuries. The municipality may be liable if you slip into a public area and get injured. This could include a city or town government, transportation authority, or any other public entity responsible for maintaining safe conditions on public property.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Injury
Knowing the steps after a slip and fall injury can help protect your health after an accident. It may also strengthen your case if you decide to pursue legal action against the responsible party. If you’ve slipped on ice or snow and suffered an injury, here’s what you can do after the incident:
Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority after a slip and fall injury. Even if you don’t feel injured, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is beneficial to identify unseen damage. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, but a doctor can examine you to be sure. When you have a medical record of your injuries, it can also serve as evidence in a legal case.
Document the Scene
Your slip and fall lawyer will likely need solid evidence to support your case. Document the scene by taking photos or videos of the area and collecting witness statements. If no warning signs were visible, note that in your documentation. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Be sure to include any medical documentation describing and proving an injury.
Contact an Experienced Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall lawyer has experience in personal injury cases and can help you with litigation. They can guide you through the process and advocate for your rights to enable you to get fair compensation. Contact an experienced lawyer for a consultation to discuss your case and determine the course of action.
