Slip and fall accidents happen when there is a hazard on the property, and the owner can be liable if the victim was invited to the property or the property was open to the public. A failure to mitigate risks to the public presents the property owner with a premises liability that could lead to a lawsuit. Victims of slip and fall accidents can seek advice from an attorney about their cases.
Residential Property Owners
Residential property owners must manage hazards around their property to prevent slip and fall accidents. They are liable for any visitors they invite to their property that fall and become injured because of icy conditions. If a utility worker or service provider comes to their property to perform services, the property owner is liable if the workers slip and fall on the property. The residential property owner must mitigate risks related to ice or snow, or they should set up signs denying entry around the property until the conditions are corrected. Victims can review their options from Kelly Legal Group after sustaining a slip and fall injury.
Commercial Property Owners
Commercial property owners or business owners must mitigate risks related to visitors and customers that enter their property. The exterior of the property shouldn’t present any hazards for visitors, and the property owner must follow careful strategies to correct icy conditions that could lead to a fall. For example, they must hire snow removal services to remove snow from their parking lots and prevent icy conditions from causing an injury to a customer. If they don’t, the property owner is at fault for the injuries and could face a legal claim.
Public Officials Managing Streets
Public streets and roadways are managed by city, state, or county officials. The roadways must be hazard-free for drivers and pedestrians. If a pedestrian slips and falls because of the road conditions, the officials could face liabilities for these injuries. When starting a claim, the victim must find out how long they have to start their claim, and they must find out what official is responsible for the road where they were injured.
Management for Parks and Playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds must be managed according to their location. For example, if the parks or playgrounds are publicly accessible, the city or county must manage all hazards and keep conditions safe for everyone. If the park or playground is in a subdivision, it is open to the property owners in the subdivision only, and the homeowner’s association or management company must maintain the park or playground.
Dangerous Sidewalks and Crosswalks
Sidewalks and crosswalks can create a serious hazard for anyone walking along the streets and around neighborhoods. If they aren’t treated for ice or snow, someone could fall and sustain an injury. After they sustain an injury, the person could have a viable claim against the property owner or a city official. An attorney helps them review their case and determine if they have a viable claim and who they should sue.
Slip and fall accidents are a type of premises liabilities that happen when a visitor falls and sustains injuries. In the winter, slip and fall injuries could increase if the property owners do not take action to manage icy conditions. By understanding how to mitigate the risks, the property owners could avoid legal claims. However, if they fail to take action, victims could seek damages through a lawsuit.
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