As temperatures drop and darkness descends earlier and earlier, Washington residents prepare for the inevitable snow and ice that is soon to arrive. As winter approaches, property owners must begin preparing for the dangers posed by snow and ice accumulation.
All property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable measures to prevent injuries from occurring to those who legally enter their property. Commercial property owners have an enhanced duty of care to those they invite to their property for business purposes, such as customers, patrons, or tenants. Preventing winter slip-and-fall accidents is a crucial part of a property owner’s duty of reasonable care; however, individuals must also take precautions to minimize their own risk. Make sure to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Stevens if you’ve been injured.
How Property Owners Can Prevent Winter Slip-and-Fall Accidents on Their Property
While no one expects a commercial property owner or private homeowner to go outside in the middle of a snowstorm to clear away snow and ice, Washington law requires property owners to clear accumulated snow and ice from sidewalks, walkways, and steps within 24 hours of the end of a significant snowfall. Commercial property owners must take action by doing the following:
- Clearing away loose snow with a shovel or snowblower
- Piling loose snow in a safe area
- Applying salt to melt ice on sidewalks, walkways, parking lots, and steps
- Placing non-slip, absorbent floor mats at entryways
- Promptly mopping tracked-in snow melt
- Placing warning signs around wet or slippery areas until they can be cleared, mopped, or otherwise corrected
If a property owner fails to take the above measures to prevent winter slip-and-fall accidents on their property, they may be held liable for damages suffered by an injury victim who falls due to the unsafe condition. Even private property owners and homeowners must address slippery areas of their property to minimize the risk of injury to delivery workers, repair persons, and others who enter the property for legitimate purposes.
How Can Individuals Reduce Their Risk of a Winter Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Although property owners must promptly address accumulated snow, ice, or winter wetness to prevent falls, individuals also have the responsibility to minimize their own risks by taking common-sense measures to protect themselves. Failing to use reasonable caution could prevent a winter slip-and-fall victim from recovering full compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
An individual should take the following precautions during outings in winter weather:
- Wear weather-appropriate footwear, such as boots with deep traction
- Avoid smooth-bottomed shoes and high heels
- Take short steps and keep the feet flat (penguin-walking)
- Minimize the packages and bags to keep hands free to break a fall
- Keep the arms out from the body for balance when encountering a slick or slippery surface
- Avoid obvious icy patches, snow, and slush
- Step down carefully from curbs
- Carefully wipe feet on the provided mats before entering a building
- Hold handrails when climbing outdoor steps or stairs
- Watch for warning signs to avoid slip-and-fall hazards
Most slip-and-fall accident claims are filed against a property owner’s liability insurance. A product liability attorney in Marysville is here to guide you. The insurance investigator may assign a percentage of fault to a slip-and-fall victim if they failed to take the above reasonable precautions. Then, the insurance company reduces the compensation the fall victim recovers by the percentage of fault attributable to the fall victim. Contact us today for a free consultation.