Icy and snowy conditions are dangerous for vehicles. Drivers are more likely to end up in crashes because they lose control of their vehicles. Icy conditions also pose safety hazards to pedestrians. People traveling on foot can slip in accumulated snow or on icy pavement. They might fall and break bones or injure their brains. Ice-related slip-and-falls can occur on sidewalks in residential neighborhoods or in the parking lots outside of businesses.
The people hurt due to unsafe property conditions caused by winter weather may have medical expenses to address and may also lose income as they undergo care for their injuries. Who is typically liable for those expenses?
Adjacent property owners or tenants are liable
Local ordinances clearly hold property owners, property managers or occupants responsible for snow and ice removal. Local authorities recently adjusted the statute to increase the amount of time that residents and businesses have after a storm to address the snow or ice accumulating on sidewalks.
Property owners and tenants typically have up to 36 hours after snow stops falling to address accumulated precipitation on the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. If they fail to take appropriate steps to clear the sidewalks, they are then potentially liable for any injuries that others suffer because they slip on snowy or icy sidewalks.
Slip-and-falls in parking lots are not subject to the same rules as sidewalk incidents. Generally speaking, parking lots belong to a property owner. The maintenance of the parking lot may be the responsibility of a landlord, a property owner or a business renting the nearby commercial space and utilizing the parking lot. Businesses and landlords need to make their premises safe for visitors, customers and tenants. Failing to do so can lead to insurance claims or even litigation.
Individuals hurt in icy weather slip and falls may need help communicating with property owners, evaluating insurance policies and requesting compensation for their losses. Working with a personal injury attorney can be helpful for those hurt in slip-and-falls caused by icy conditions. When property owners or businesses are negligent about maintenance, they may be liable for injuries caused by icy sidewalks or parking lots.