Icy Walkways – Premises Liability
With the onset of freezing temperatures, it is important that businesses take all reasonable steps to make sure that ice does not cause slip and fall hazards for their customers. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to address icy conditions before someone is hurt on their property. Simple measures such as turning off sprinkler systems, salting sidewalks, and providing warning cones during freezing weather go a long way in protecting customers from injury.
When unnatural accumulations of ice are present on a property, the business owner or occupier may be liable for slip and fall incidents on the property. Examples of unnatural accumulations of ice may include:
- Sprinkler systems that are not turned off during freezing temperatures
- Sloping surfaces such as a parking lots or handicap ramps that cause water to accumulate and freeze into icy patches
- Ice accumulations on a roof that melt, drip off, and refreeze on the ground
- Leaking air conditioner units that cause water to accumulate and freeze resulting in slippery icy patches
In Georgia, business owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care to keep their property safe for their customers. O.C.G.A § 51-3-1. Responsible business owners have procedures in place to try and prevent slip and falls on snow and ice. Examples of measures that business owners can take to keep their customers safe include:
- Inspecting parking lots, sidewalks, and stairs to identify any hazards that exist on the premises
- Treating icy spots with salt or other products that can help melt the ice
- Constructing temporary barricades or placing signs and safety cones to warn customers when icy spots exist
- Ensuring that drain pipes and catch basins are free from clogs which can cause snow or ice to melt and refreeze on walking surfaces
- Turning off all sprinkler systems that can cause walking surfaces to become wet and icy in freezing temperatures
Sadly, too many businesses do not take these simple steps which often result in dangerous icy conditions on their property. Slip and fall incidents can result in painful and catastrophic injuries. These injuries may include broken bones, hip injuries, knee injuries, back and spinal cord injuries, paralysis, head and brain injuries, as well as shoulder and arm injuries. If you have been injured in a slip and fall incident at a business due to snow or ice accumulating in a parking lot, sidewalk, store entrance, or handicap ramp, call Joel today for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
