As the days fluctuate between slightly above freezing temperatures with frigid below freezing night temperatures, the risk of ice is a constant threat. What may have once been an easy walk is now a treacherous trek for many pedestrians. Property owners have a responsibility to de-ice the areas that immediately surround their properties. When a person fails to maintain the space of their business, the result can be life-altering injuries.
Understand the limits of the law
A property owner may not be responsible for any injury that occurs on their premises. Generally, some sort of negligence is necessary for a property owner to be held responsible. This means that if your own action leads to an injury, a property owner is much less likely to be held responsible. Moreover, if a pedestrian ignores safety warnings or circumvents obstacles put in place to prevent injury, the owner can be expected to have a strong defense. Here are some of the ways an owner may be found negligent:
- If an owner delayed clearing ice and snow beyond a reasonable amount of time.
- If an owner failed or did an inadequate job clearing, sanding, salting and other necessary precautions to remove ice build-up.
- If an owner in some way caused the hazards that were present.
Dealing with the aftermath of an injury
The kind of injuries resulting from a slip and fall could have life-altering effects on a person’s livelihood and personal life. A traumatic brain injury or compound fracture can lead to years of rehabilitative therapy and may jeopardize a person’s ability to earn a living wage. It is imperative that an injured person examine a situation to determine if an owner’s negligence caused their injury.