Winter in New York can be treacherous, with icy sidewalks creating dangerous conditions. If you slip and fall on ice outside a store, you may wonder if the business is responsible. Understanding the rules about property owner responsibility can help you determine whether the store should have prevented your fall.
Property owner’s duty to maintain safety
Store owners have a duty to maintain their property and keep it safe for customers and pedestrians. This responsibility often includes clearing ice and snow from sidewalks outside their business. If a store owner fails to take reasonable steps to keep the sidewalk clear, they may be held responsible for any injuries that occur. However, whether or not a store is responsible depends on several factors, including the timing of the snowfall and efforts made to address the icy conditions.
Timing matters
Timing plays a significant role in determining whether a store is responsible for a slip and fall. New York law generally allows property owners a reasonable amount of time to clear snow and ice after a storm. If you slip immediately after a heavy snowfall, the store may not be liable, as they may not have had enough time to clear the ice. On the other hand, if the ice has been there for several days without any effort to remove it, the store may be considered negligent.
Negligence and reasonable action
To determine if a store is responsible, it is essential to consider whether they took reasonable actions to prevent slips and falls. Reasonable actions might include shoveling the snow, spreading salt, or placing warning signs in hazardous areas. If a store owner ignores these precautions, they may be held responsible for injuries resulting from a slip and fall on ice outside their business.
Staying safe during winter
Slipping on ice can lead to serious injuries, especially during the harsh New York winter. Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid accidents and stay safe, even when conditions are less than ideal.