For many, the idea of winter is dreaded. The days grow shorter and colder, bringing dangerous weather with it. As such, when it snows, the last thing you may want to do is shovel your property. However, it’s imperative to do so to prevent injuries to pedestrians. As such, if you’ve been injured because of unshoveled snow, understanding your rights is critical. The following blog explores who is responsible for snow removal, what your legal options are, and why connecting with Baltimore County slip and fall attorneys is critical.
Who Must Take Responsibility for Snow Removal?
In general, property owners are ultimately responsible for ensuring snow is removed in a timely manner on their premises. This is applicable to residential, commercial, and municipal properties. However, it’s important to understand that there may be slight differences in the rules regarding snow removal.
Typically, each town will have an ordinance or law that dictates how long a property owner has to remove snow from their sidewalks and walkways. This will vary from town to town and may even vary based on the kind of property. For example, you’ll find that in Baltimore, all snow accumulated on public walkways must be removed within three hours following the end of the snowfall. However, if the snow stops between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 a.m. the property owner has until 11 a.m. to remove the snow.
If I Slip On Someone’s Property, What Should I Do?
When you slip and fall on another person’s property because they failed to remove snow or ice in a timely manner, understanding your rights is critical. The first thing you should do is contact emergency services if you are in need of immediate medical treatment. If you do not need emergency services, plan to see your doctor within 24 hours. This is critical, as it establishes care for the injuries you sustained.
Next, you should take photos and videos of the conditions that led to your accident. Be sure to capture where the snow is on the public sidewalk or walkway. You should also consider taking a photo that shows the property where you fell is the only one with snow still accumulated.
It’s important to ensure you connect with an experienced personal injury attorney. Unfortunately, Maryland is a contributory negligence state, meaning if you are found even 1% liable for the injuries you endured, you could be barred from recovering compensation for the damages you’ve endured. As such, having an experienced attorney to represent you during these issues can help you fight for justice.
At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, we understand how complicated these issues can be. That’s why our firm is committed to examining all potential outcomes so we can fight under any circumstances for the justice you deserve. Connect with our team today to discuss your circumstances in further detail.
