When it’s snowing, it’s hard to keep up with the slick conditions outside. While business owners may try to shovel sidewalks and salt areas to reduce the likelihood of ice developing, there’s no guarantee that these conditions won’t continue to build up.
For people who are still going to these businesses, having a safe path inside is necessary. However, poor weather conditions can make that impossible. If you do fall, is it the responsibility of the business owner? What should you do?
Owners are liable for accidents that happen on their properties if it can be shown that they allowed hazardous conditions to build up without treatment. For instance, if you can show that the business owner had no intention of clearing walkways or had not attempted to despite being open for business, this could help you build a case.
However, if the owner warned others of wet floors, ice and snow and had attempted to clear the walkway, the judge for your case may be less likely to rule in your favor. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that people are considerate of the conditions around them and that business owners do what they can to mitigate hazards. If business owners do this, they may not be liable for falls.
Every situation is a little bit different, especially when it comes to ice and snowy conditions. Our site has more on premises liability and what to expect if you fall outside when it’s icy or snowy. You may have a case if your situation meets the right conditions.