Whether you look forward to long, cozy nights at home or hate the bitter cold, winter is rapidly approaching and, with that, the potential for snow. While you may enjoy the look of snow, you may not look forward to shoveling your sidewalk or digging out your car. Unfortunately, matters can be made even worse if you sustain an injury as a result of another person’s failure to remove snow from their property. If you’ve suffered a slip and fall, the following blog explores what you should know about who is responsible for removing snow and the steps to take with the help of Baltimore County slip and fall attorneys to assist you through these difficult times.
Who Is Responsible for Removing Snow on a Property?
In general, the property owner is responsible for the removal of snow or ice on their premises. While the state of Maryland does not have a law that requires property owners to shovel, most municipalities, including Baltimore County, require residential property owners to shovel sidewalks adjacent to their property within twenty-four hours from when the snow stops falling, though property owners are encouraged to shovel as soon as it is safe to do so once the precipitation has stopped.
Commercial property owners must adhere to the same timeframe when clearing snow from the sidewalks adjacent to their property. However, while not explicitly stated in the ordinances, commercial property owners should also remove snow from parking lots, as this is considered the general duty of these property owners to ensure their premises are safe.
What Should I Do if I Slip and Fall Because of Unsafe Conditions Caused By Snow?
In the event you slip and fall because of an unshoveled sidewalk, walkway, or parking lot, it’s important to understand your legal options. Generally, the first thing you should do is seek medical care. Though a slip and fall may not seem like a serious accident, you may sustain several injuries like broken bones, neck and back injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries. Unfortunately, some injuries may not immediately present themselves, so it’s imperative to establish medical care as soon as possible.
You should also document the injury by reporting it to the property owner, such as the landlord or manager, as they can then formally document the incident with a report. If you fall on a residential property, you may want to contact the police as this can document a property owner’s lack of compliance in removing the snow, as well as provide a formal report of your injuries.
Finally, you should contact an experienced attorney to help you pursue a claim against the negligent property owner. At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, we understand how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact us.