Ice and snow create numerous hazards in the wintertime. With Columbus averaging around two feet of snow a year, local property owners have an obligation to ensure that their walkways and parking lots are clear to prevent people from slipping and hurting themselves. Unfortunately, many landowners do not take this duty seriously. Although some slips on ice are minor, some can cause severe injuries requiring expensive medical care and ongoing treatment.
If you injured yourself because a landowner did not take the proper steps to clear dangerous patches of ice or snow, they could be held liable for all your resulting losses. At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team is experienced with claims involving slip and falls on ice and snow in Columbus. One of our skilled Columbus slip and fall attorneys could evaluate the extent of your losses, gather evidence of the property owner’s negligence, and demand fair payment on your behalf.
Forms of Compensation for a Slip and Fall on Ice
Slip and falls on dangerous surfaces like snow or ice have the potential to cause severe injury. These accidents can result in broken bones, concussions, separated joins, or spinal cord injuries. Any person who suffers harm due to the negligent actions of a property owner could seek payment for all necessary medical care connected to their injuries.
A well-practiced lawyer at our firm can help injured victims calculate the full impact of a slip and fall on their life. Besides medical expenses, compensation could cover many other losses, such as:
- Lost wages: if a victim has to take time off to recover or is left unable to work due to a permanent disability
- Loss of consortium: if an injury impacts a victim’s ability to spend time with loved ones
- Pain and suffering associated with the accident
Although these damages are difficult to measure, a skilled Columbus attorney can help assess the full and appropriate value of a weather-related slip and fall case to aid a victim in their recovery.
Who is Liable for Slips and Falls on Ice or Snow?
Generally, the laws require Columbus property owners to provide protection to invited guests on their land. This means that if a landowner does not clear away temporary hazards or structural defects, they could be at fault for a resulting accident. However, an important exclusion exists for slips and falls due to ice or snow.
Exceptions for Trip and Slip Accidents in Columbus due to Weather
According to the court in Brinkman v. Ross, 68 Ohio St.3d 82 (1993), property owners have no duty to protect visitors on their land against the natural accumulation of ice and snow. However, this does not mean that a plaintiff cannot collect compensation for a weather-related slip and fall.
Thankfully, local laws provide a caveat to this ruling. City Code § 902.03 states that any owner, occupant, or other person in charge of a piece of land has an obligation to keep the sidewalk around their property free from ice and snow. This law applies to land within Columbus city limits, allowing residents to pursue slip and fall claims for accidents on ice and snow. Our local slip and fall attorneys could help determine whether this caveat applies in a specific case involving accumulated ice or snow.
Consult an Attorney for Slip and Falls on Ice and Snow in Columbus
There are specific local laws in Columbus that can impact a slip and fall case involving accumulated ice and snow. If you were injured in this type of incident, work with a knowledgeable attorney who can explain the relevant laws and apply them effectively to your case.
The legal team at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can handle the legal side of your slip and fall case to allow you to focus on your recovery. Our lawyers are experienced in gathering evidence of negligence for tripping accidents involving ice and snow. Call us today to learn how we can protect your interests and fight for the compensation you deserve.
