February helps to bridge the seasons from winter into spring. It is also the beginning of the most unpredictable weather of the year.
Between snow storms and snow melting, the Michiana region can never be completely prepared for what Mother Nature has in store for us.
Because of this property owners have to be on top of the weather as well as what is happening on their property. Whether it’s ice and snow, mud, or damage from freezing and thawing, it is the property owner’s responsibility to keep track of the condition of their property and to mitigate the damage and make repairs.
On the other hand, February weather also makes it more difficult to travel and run errands, requiring a property’s visitors to be prepared for the elements as well. This also means that there are more chances for slip and fall accidents.
In the event of an accident, both the property owner and their visitors need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Owners: Clearing snow, ice, and other obstacles:
Local laws require property owners to make sure that sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, stairs, and other publicly accessible private property is clear of obstruction within a certain amount of time after a snowfall. With winter weather, property owners need to be prepared to clear away obstacles at any moment – including repairing damage due to freezing temperatures.
- If you don’t have access to a snow blower, you will have to shovel. Choose the right kind of shovel, one with a long or curved handle will help take some of the stress of shoveling away from your back.
- Put down a snow melting product, like salt, to help clear away stubborn snow and ice, and to prevent snow from building up quickly.
- Make sure that the property is thoroughly checked at regular intervals for damage, especially if it could cause an accident or injure a visitor.
Visitors:
Whether you’re going to a friend’s house or to a store, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you don’t have a slip and fall accident:
- Look out for obstacles in your path and if there are any, try to avoid them.
- Wear appropriate clothing, especially your shoes, for the weather conditions. When it’s snowy and icy, boots with good grip are required.
While you may do take all of the necessary precautions in order to stay safe during bad weather, that doesn’t mean that an accident won’t happen. If you do have a slip and fall accident, make sure you contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the processes for determining if the property owner can be held liable for your accident.
