In Buffalo, winter doesn’t necessarily begin on December 21st or end in March. Often, cold weather and snowfall begins much earlier and can sometimes last much longer. Our experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys receive many questions about slip and fall claims during winter. If you need more information on the law, please contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Get Our Free Slip and Fall Injury Guide
Can I File a Slip and Fall Claim Against a Store with a Snowy Entrance?
There are cases and laws regarding the obligations of the premise’s owner, but also protections regarding what they are obligated to do. If there’s a storm in progress, depending on the severity of the snowfall and the duration of the storm, it can temporarily alleviate certain duties of a premises owner while that storm is in progress.
Can I File a Slip and Fall Claim if I Was Injured on a Sidewalk that Wasn’t Shoveled?
Most municipalities do not impose a duty upon the homeowners to clear snow. However, once a homeowner undertakes that task, and they begin to do the snow removal, they must do so in a non-negligent manner. They can’t just leave a sheet of ice after removing the snow because often the snow provides traction to people walking on it. If a homeowner does shovel their sidewalk or doesn’t maintain it properly, and they create an icy condition based upon their actions, then you would certainly have a potential claim.
Can I File a Slip and Fall Claim if I Was Injured at an Icy Bus Stop?
There can be many different people or entities that may be involved or liable if there’s a dangerous condition that’s not maintained around a bus stop. The bus company has a responsibility to maintain those structures. Depending on where the incident may occur, the city or town may also have some responsibility if they may have cleared the ice or snow in a negligent manner.
Once somebody takes affirmative action to take steps towards remedying a situation like snow accumulation, they must do so in a non-negligent manner. If there’s an ice buildup there, either by way of poor drainage, improper drainage, or if there was improper snow removal that was done that caused a very icy, slick surface for an area where they know that customers or pedestrians are going to be waiting, then there’s potential liability there.
Get Our Free Slip and Fall Injury Guide
Questions About Slip and Fall Claims During Winter | Contact Our Office
If you have any other questions about slip and fall claims during winter, please contact our experienced Buffalo slip and fall injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.