Snow And Ice Accumulation
Snowstorms and frozen landscapes are a fact of life in Massachusetts. However, property owners have a legal responsibility to make their walkways and premises reasonably safe for winter visitors. Specifically, they have a duty to remove or remedy accumulated snow and ice.
When owners fail in this basic duty, the resulting falls can cause very serious injuries. Ellis Law Offices LLP has helped many citizens recover compensation for slip-and-fall cases related to snow and ice.
Slipped In Icy Or Snowy Conditions? 508-762-4334
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will work your case to establish the property owner’s liability for the injuries and monetary losses you suffered. We practice in the Worcester area and throughout Massachusetts.
Owners Have A Duty To Remove Or Treat Snow And Ice
Massachusetts’ slip-and-fall law requires property owners to reasonably remove accumulations of snow and ice:
- The parties must remove snow and treat walkways with salt or sand within a reasonable period of time after a fresh snow. Old snow that has melted and refrozen, or compressed causing an icy hazard, also may constitute negligence.
- The duty extends to sidewalks, parking lots, stairs and ramps, entryways and all other areas open to foot traffic.
- Inside the building, owners are also responsible for slippery floors from puddles of melted snow and ice that was tracked in.
- In addition to businesses and landlords, property management companies and snow removal companies can be liable for breach of this duty.
What is a reasonable time frame? For a quick hitting ice storm, a light, moderate or even some large snow storms, mere hours after — without putting down sand/salt, plowing, shoveling or snow blowing — may constitute negligence. Did you trip over a snowbank obstructing the sidewalk? Did you lose your feet on black ice? Did you fall on icy stairs or a snow-covered parking lot? These cases are fact-specific. Let our lawyers determine if you have grounds to sue.
We Know Slip-And-Fall Injuries Can Be Quite Serious
Our attorneys have recovered compensation for severe injuries in slips-and-falls, including back injuries, head injuries, hip fractures, broken arms and wrists, and sprained ankles. In many cases, these accidents require surgery or extensive rehab, resulting in large medical bills and significant lost wages. You are also entitled to damages for pain and suffering, as well as compensation for any lasting disfigurement or disability. We know premises liability law as it pertains to snow and ice, and we understand the medical issues, which help us detail a strong case for full damages.
Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. We will come to your hospital or home, anywhere in Massachusetts, if you cannot travel to our offices in Worcester or Fitchburg. We do not get paid unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
