When it comes to an injury-causing slip and fall, the weather may play a role either by creating hazardous conditions or exacerbating instances of negligence that already existed. Severe rainstorms or bone-chilling blizzards can cause a mess that engulfs the parking lot of a business or lead to puddles that turn an otherwise clean entryway into an obstacle course. The Team at Stanley Law is dedicated to helping you understand the responsibility of property owners and tenants so that you’re equipped to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Slips, Falls, And Weather: Whose Responsibility Is It To Clean Up?
When a blizzard dumps a foot of snow in front of the grocery store or local diner overnight, ice conditions and slippery pathways could mean trouble for patrons. Property owners and tenants are largely accountable for the conditions of their facilities, and that includes reasonable measures to maintain the premises and remove potential hazards. Depending on the season and situation, that may mean:
- Shoveling snow
- Deicing sidewalks
- Mopping up puddles
- Providing mats near doorways to minimize standing water
- Repairing roofs to minimize falling ice and water
- Keeping drains clear, so water can easily run off
- Raking up leaves and post-storm debris
- Putting up signs to warn guests about slippery conditions or other potential hazards
“Reasonable measures” is up for interpretation, though. In some cases, a wet patio may not constitute negligence, while in other cases, patrons may have a right to a clean patio if they’ve been directed there for dining or other commercial purposes. Don’t go it alone — if you suspect your slip and fall is due to weather-related negligence, contact Stanley Law today. Our team works to get you the MAXIMUM AWARD you deserve.
Other Considerations
Mother Nature has a mind of her own, and certain situations, such as rapidly accumulating snowdrifts or lots of water running downhill during a rainstorm, may be unavoidable. That said, there are a few ways to mitigate the potential for injury. We may ask:
- Was there adequate lighting, so guests could check their footing and spot icy patches and puddles?
- Was there an excessive number of holes, cracks and/or areas with uneven pavement that made slippery conditions even worse?
- Were drains and gutters cleaned out to allow water to flow away freely rather than collecting and overflowing or freezing?
- In the case of wet floors, was the proper signage put out to warn patrons to watch their step?
We’ll leave no stone unturned as we investigate your case. By looking for photo or video evidence of the property near or at the time of your accident, taking witness statements, and gathering official reports, we can put together a timeline and paint a picture of the conditions that contributed to your injury.
Individual Responsibility
There is shared responsibility in weather-related slip and falls, too. If you’re out running errands during a thunderstorm or braving high winds to pick up your pet from the vet, you have a duty to see to your own welfare as best you can. While you may not be able to foresee black ice or know that a gust of wind could knock over unsecured signage right as you’re walking by, you can watch where you’re going and do your best to avoid flooded sidewalks. Other factors, such as your activities during the time of the injury, may come into play as well. For instance, horseplay in icy conditions may contribute to a slip and fall just as much as the ice itself.
Joe Knows Slip and Falls
Whether you’ve had a minor slip and fall that left you with bumps and bruises or a major on-premise accident that led to missed work and a mountain of medical bills, we’re there for you. It takes true grit to win a case, and we’ll be by your side every step of the way.
When you’re sidelined due to the negligence of others, don’t go it alone; phone Stanley Law at 800-608-3333 or 800-372-3760, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
