Who is Responsible for Slip and Falls Due to Snow or Ice?

When slip and fall accidents on snow or ice result in serious injuries, you may be able to file a claim against the property owner. A Columbus slip and fall attorney could help you identify responsible parties and take legal steps to pursue monetary compensation.  

During the winter season, snow and ice are unfortunately all too common in the greater Columbus, Ohio area. When a major snowstorm occurs, businesses and other property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, parking lots, and other common areas. When a person slips and falls on snow or ice, he or she can suffer serious injuries and damages, including fractures, broken bones, traumatic head injuries, and soft tissue injuries, to name only a few.

Depending upon the circumstances and where the slip and fall accident occurs, you may be eligible to assert a claim against the property owner or occupier in the event you suffer an injury. A Columbus slip and fall attorney at The Jones Firm can assist you with filing your insurance claim or lawsuit in the court system. Please give us a call today for more information. 

Responsibility for Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries

There are several individuals and entities who could be responsible for a slip and fall accident that occurs on someone else’s property. First of all, the owners of business premises are responsible for making sure that their properties are in a reasonably safe condition at all times for the benefit of their customers. This includes making sure that walkways, parking lots, parking garages, and other areas are free from snow and ice following a winter storm. 

If you suffer an injury in a slip and fall accident that occurred on business premises, you may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the property owner. Specifically, you must be able to prove that the property owner had a duty to maintain the premises, that he or she had knowledge of the defect, and then he or she failed to take reasonable measures to correct the hazardous condition (or warn against it).

If the slip and fall accident occurred on property that is owned or maintained by a municipality, such as the city or state, then you might be able to file a legal claim against that municipality. However, when it comes to filing a claim against a governmental entity, there are sometimes notice periods that are applicable – and which must be satisfied before filing a lawsuit.

An experienced Columbus slip and fall attorney could help you determine potential at-fault parties for your slip and fall accident and assist you with filing your claim or lawsuit as necessary, seeking the monetary damages that you deserve.

Call a Columbus Slip and Fall Attorney Today

The experienced team of attorneys at The Jones Firm can help you pursue financial recovery for the injuries you suffered in a Columbus slip and fall accident. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Columbus slip and fall lawyer, please call us at 614-209-5162 or contact us online today to learn more.