Am I Responsible for and Icy Walkway?
Down by the California coast, this isn’t a question anyone will ask. But with California’s drastic climates, ice and snow can develop nearby in the forest and mountains. Homeowners, renters, business owners, and landlords can be held responsible for the slips and falls that happen during a storm or cold snap.
Landlords and tenants frequently fight about this issue in the colder states, where the ice and snow last longer. While rulings vary by city, county, and state, generally the landlord has to make sure the tenant is being responsible for keeping the property safe from hazards. So both landlords and tenants have to keep walkways clear of ice and snow in a reasonable amount of time.
Luckily, these kinds of slip and fall accidents are covered by renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, and landlord insurance. However, if you are being grossly negligent for the general upkeep of your property, an insurance company could claim you violated the policy, therefore making it null and void.
With the variation in law, the ambiguity regarding time frame, and the rarity in some locations, you will need a lawyer for a slip and fall accident. The insurance companies will look to see who else can be held responsible for the cost. So whether you are the victim or the homeowner (tenant or landlord) call a lawyer to avoid a lengthy and costly lawsuit.
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