The long winter months can bring on snow and ice storms. In these situations, property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their walkways, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots are free and clear of hazards. Unfortunately, if a property owner fails to tend to his or her property after a storm, it can lead to dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Injuries resulting from slip and falls in snowy or icy conditions can result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, and lifelong consequences. Speaking with our Snow and Ice Injury Attorneys can make a world of difference.
Our Snow and Ice Injury Attorneys can help
If you sustained an injury due to a property owner’s negligence, you may want to consider consulting with an attorney to discuss your legal options. An experienced personal injury attorney can help assess the facts of your case and provide you with sound legal advice. The attorneys at Friedman Schuman Layser have over 40 years of experience representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence of another party. Contact Friedman Schuman Layser today to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your legal matter.
Premises liability laws regarding weather conditions
Property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties in a safe condition for anyone who may enter it. When a property owner fails to take the proper measures to ensure a safe property after a storm, he or she may be creating a hazardous condition for a pedestrian. Each town or city (usually via ordinances) provides a property owner with specific requirements when it comes to clearing their properties from snow and/or ice after a storm. If a property owner fails to clear snow and ice off walking surfaces within that 24 hour time period, he or she may be issued a citation. On top of a citation, a property owner may be subject to a lawsuit if a pedestrian slips and falls on his or her property.
Premises liability laws aim to ensure property owners are held accountable for negligence. However, an injured party may be required to prove that negligence contributed to his or her injury. This burden of proof requires an injured person to prove to the court that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard and did nothing to rectify the situation. The negligence of a property owner may be difficult to prove, but there are a few things that an injured party can do to help their case. To assist in proving negligence, an injured person should try to preserve the conditions that caused the injury, i.e. a snowy or icy walkway. If possible, he or she should take pictures or videos of the conditions. If any witnesses are present, the injured person should collect contact information or try to obtain a statement from them. If the injured party is unable to act for themselves, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney to send someone to the scene and act on their behalf, collecting evidence and constructing a case. It is essential to have a strong legal team on your side when you have to satisfy the burden of proof.
Contact Friedman Schuman Layser ‘s Snow and Ice Injury Attorneys
If you were injured due to a slip and fall on snow or ice, contact our firm. With the help of an experienced attorney at Friedman Schuman Layser, you may be able to recover damages for the emotional, financial, and/or physical losses resulting from your injuries. Our skilled attorneys have over 40 years of experience guiding injured clients towards a successful recovery. If you require strong legal representation for a personal injury matter, contact Friedman Schuman Layser to schedule a consultation.
