Slips and Falls on Sidewalks

Clearing the sidewalks on your property is important for safety, especially during the winter months when snow and ice become an issue. Many areas have a 24 hour time limit to remove snow and ice. If not done within 24 hours of the snowfall, property owners could be subject to fines depending on where one is located.

Some sidewalks are prone to gathering water causing ice in the winter. Here are some solutions to sidewalks prone to collecting ice and snow:

· Repair and patch any uneven sidewalks.

· Trim landscaping back from the sidewalk.

· Route runoff water to go under sidewalks instead of on top.

· Pile snow off to an area where it won’t melt and run across your sidewalk causing ice.

· Spread sand onto a sidewalk before ice forms. This will make it easier to remove the ice later.

· Avoid shoveling snow into streets and alleys.

· Pile snow into yards and other non-pedestrian areas.

If you’ve experienced a slip and fall, whether it’s due to ice and snow or not, here are some steps to take after a slip and fall:

· Seek medical attention.

· Contact a lawyer.

· Take photographs.

· Report the accident and injuries.

At Manchin Injury Law, we have the attorneys on staff that will help you recover from a loss that was suffered as the result of a property owners’ failure to properly remove snow and ice from their sidewalk. Contact one of our West Virginia slip and fall lawyers for a free consultation.