If you slip and fall on a patch of ice on someone else’s property and you’re hurt as a result, you may wonder whether you have the right to recover compensation for your injuries.
This is a fair assumption, as property owners are expected to keep areas where the general public and customers are presumed to be safe. Read on to learn more about what property owners and the public are expected to do to keep the premises safe for all.
Property Owner Expectations
Property owners are expected to practice reasonable care regarding maintenance around the premises. Some of the expectations of property owners include:
- Regularly inspecting the property, and
- Removing or mitigating snow and ice within a practical period of time.
The intent is to decrease the risk of people sustaining injuries as a result of falls and other types of accidents. If a property owner fails to uphold the duty of care and customers or other people on the premises are injured as a result, the property owner may be held accountable for negligence.
For instance, if a property owner fails to address ice and/or snow buildup on the property and someone is hurt as a result, the property owner may be held negligent for not handling the unsafe conditions within a reasonable amount of time.
Expectations of the Public
Similarly, members of the public are also expected to uphold a reasonable duty of care when spending time in areas that are covered in snow and/or ice. It’s important to keep in mind that if you fail to conduct yourself in a manner that is considered of reasonable care, any recovery in a potential lawsuit may be reduced or completely eliminated.
If You’ve Been Hurt In a Slip & Fall Accident, We Want to Help
If you’ve sustained injuries as a result of a slip and fall accident on a patch of ice, you may be able to hold the property owner accountable for your losses. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away to learn more about how we can help you.
Call the Ozone Park lawyers at The Cassisi Law Firm today at 718-441-5050 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.
