BLOG NUMBER 19.45
Snow and ice can be far more than a nuisance. Frozen precipitation is often dangerous and holds the ability to lead to potentially serious and injurious impacts like slips and falls.
Residential and commercial property owners might wonder if they are responsible for cleaning areas of their land and surrounding areas. The answer to this question is a resounding yes. Moreover, if the parties fail to take such responsibility, they could be legally at fault for causing someone to get injured as a result.
A Property Owner’s Responsibility
Homeowners and business owners must ensure their properties are safe for anyone who visits. Legally, this duty is called premises liability. Moreover, this duty of care mandates that residential or commercial proprietors warn unsuspecting guests or patrons of possible dangers.
Tips For Keeping Property Clean
Know The Important Places
Keeping a home or business’s premises free of frozen precipitation is a demanding and arduous responsibility. Numerous locations must be taken into consideration including:
*Driveways
*Parking garages
*Sidewalks
*Side streets
*Stairs
*Entrances and exits
Treat Surfaces With Salt
Home and business owners should firmly treat every pertinent portion of their premises with salt prior to any ominous forecast. Said substance melts snow and ice and may prevent significant or dangerous accumulations from collecting quickly.
Shovel Frequently
When measurable snow piles up, the responsible parties should shovel the appropriate grounds until they can see either the blacktop or surface material. It is important to note that this is demanding work and can prove challenging for persons with known physical or systemic conditions.
Therefore, someone in good physical shape should perform this task. If a member of the household or business under scrutiny cannot take on this duty, they should hire professionals who have the necessary equipment.
Invest In A Plowing Surface
Occasionally, snow and ice accumulate to levels that even the youngest and strongest individuals cannot quickly shovel away. Therefore, we urge residences and commercial entities to hire snowplowing companies equipped with trucks that can efficiently and quickly move large amounts of snow and ice.
Provide Adequate Warning
If those responsible for the property’s maintenance cannot execute these safeguards, they, at the very least, must provide guests or frequenters sufficient warning. For example, they should post caution signs that clearly indicate which areas have not been plowed or shoveled and instruct people to proceed carefully.
Steps An Injured Party Can Take
Should the individuals in question fail to perform any of the aforementioned duties, a slip and fall injury victim can take civil action against said proprietor.
That said, there are specific endeavors prospective plaintiffs should partake in to strengthen their argument including:
- Taking copious notes about the events precipitating the incident highlighting the condition of the property in the area the mishap occurred
- Capturing photos of the location in question
- Obtaining the names and contact information of eyewitnesses wherever applicable
- A comprehensive medical assessment evaluates and documents injuries that can be connected to the accident.
Once we complete the preceding actions, we urge potential complainants to consult an experienced slip and fall lawyer.
Yielding A Successful Outcome
Slip and fall injuries fall under the broader category of civil litigation known as personal injury law.
Success in such cases mandates plaintiff and said subject’s legal staff demonstrate the home or business owner under debate demonstrate that:
- A hazardous situation existed on the property the incident took place
- Those charged with the premises’ upkeep were aware of these perils and did either neglected to address said issues or provided guests or customers no heads up
- The plaintiff’s injuries were related to the fall and no other injury or health problem
- The damages the plaintiff seeks are connected to these injuries and no other cause
An experienced personal injury lawyer will review a plaintiff’s claims and determine if the potential client has a viable argument. If such conclusions are of the affirmative, said legal professional can devise the most appropriate strategies.
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