By law, property owners in Missouri have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe from hazardous conditions. This includes clearing snow and ice to prevent slip-and-fall accidents, car crashes and other serious accidents.

But how do you know if you can bring an injury claim against the property owner whose negligence caused your injury? By talking to us in a free consultation. At Holman Schiavone, LLC, our attorneys provide knowledgeable legal representation to clients injured in premises liability accidents such as snow and ice accidents throughout the Kansas City area.

When you work with us, you can expect personal service from attorneys who are highly qualified in personal injury law. Contact us online or call (816) 399-5149 today.

I Slipped on Ice or Snow. Who Is Responsible?

Both private and public property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks and other walkways of snow and ice. Whether someone is legally accountable for injuries on sidewalks aligning the streets depends on the city or town’s ordinances (laws). In Kansas City, for example, property owners are required by law to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of and alongside their residential or commercial property “within a reasonable time.”

Responsibility for slip-and-fall injuries caused by snow and ice may fall on:

  • Homeowners who fail to clear their sidewalks (typically, homeowners insurance covers these costs, depending on the policy and the severity of the injury)
  • Renters who lease a house or other single-family home
  • Commercial property owners who fail to remove snow and ice from their walkways and parking lots

How Can You Prove a Property Owner Caused Your Injury?

There are a few things you must be able to show in order to prove that a property owner caused your injury. First, you must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition. Second, you must prove that he or she failed to take reasonable measures to clear the ice/snow or warn of the dangerous condition. Finally, you must prove that the property owner had a duty to you (if you are a visitor on his or her property, you likely have a claim).

Snow and ice removal negligence can be difficult to prove because the conditions can quickly change. If you were able to take pictures of the accident scene immediately after your accident, this will help your case. It will also help to work with an attorney experienced in handling premises liability claims.

Icy Slip-and-Fall Injury? Contact Our Missouri Lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a snow and ice accident, whether it involved a slip-and-fall, car accident or snowmobile accident, contact our attorneys online or by telephone at (816) 399-5149. We offer free consultations for personal injury clients.