Slip-and-fall accidents on sidewalks and parking lots

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Premises Liability, on Monday, February 1, 2016

During the winter months in Massachusetts, snow and ice on sidewalks and parking lots can be a big problem for people trying to walk across them. When the sidewalk is a public one in running in front of a business or a home, the question may arise regarding who has the responsibility to clear it.Many people have the idea that the city should clear public sidewalks. Most cities, however, say the responsibility lies with the homeowner or business in front of which the sidewalk runs. many cities have ordinances stating that people and business owners must do so. Business owners also hold a responsibility to clear their own parking lots as well. Business owners who do clear their parking lots should be aware that they will then need to keep them clear. If a person slips and falls while walking across the parking lot after it has been cleared but then ices over, the business may be responsible for resulting damages. Because of this, some insurance agents will actually advise their business clients not to clear their parking lots.People who slip and fall in a retail establishment’s parking lot may have a case for seeking compensation from the owners of the business under the theory of premises liability. Business owners owe a duty of care to people who are lawfully present on their premises to keep them safe and free of hazards. A person who has been injured in such an incident may want to meet with a personal injury attorney in order to discuss how best to pursue compensation for the resulting medical expenses and other losses.