Who Can Be Held Liable for Ice-Related Slip and Fall Accidents in Johnson City?

Ice-related slip and fall accidents can result in serious injury. When you are injured on a wet, icy, or unmaintained sidewalk or parking lot, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, determining fault in slip and fall accidents is not always straightforward. Having an experienced premises liability attorney on your side can help to ensure the proper party is held responsible, enabling you to pursue compensation for the injuries you have sustained.

Ice and Snow in Johnson City

Johnson City experiences various weather conditions throughout the year, including the chilly embrace of winter. While we receive less snowfall than the U.S. average (11 inches compared to 28 inches), we see slightly more rain than most areas—and absolutely have our fair share of cold, wet, and icy days.

When temperatures drop in Johnson City, slippery sidewalks, frozen parking lots, and iced-over paths can quickly follow. These pose significant dangers to pedestrians, including joggers, casual walkers, and children heading to and from school. Sadly, even a seemingly minor slip and fall can result in painful and lasting injury. When you are injured in an ice-related slip and fall accident, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney as soon as possible to determine how best to proceed.

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in or around Johnson City, call The Haynes Firm at 423-928-0165 to schedule a FREE consultation today. Our lawyers have more than seven decades of combined experience helping people in the Tri-Cities area seek the fair and full compensation they deserve.

What Is the Law Surrounding Sidewalk and Parking Lot Maintenance in Johnson City?

In Johnson City, property owners, managers, or tenants (depending on lease agreements) are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and common areas adjoining their property. Depending on the location, private homeowners, commercial property owners, and even the city itself may be responsible for making these public spaces safe for pedestrians after snowfall or ice accumulation. There is, however, no specific timeframe for the removal of ice and snow from sidewalks in the city.

Generally speaking, those who are legally responsible for the maintenance of a property are expected to act in a manner a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. When it comes to ice and snow removal, this may include:

• Assessing the amount of time dangerous conditions have existed: Property owners are not typically liable for injuries occurring during or immediately after a storm, but they are expected to take action to mitigate risks as soon as possible once the storm has ended.
• Considering the foreseeability of the accident: If it is reasonable to expect that icy conditions are imminent and could lead to injury, preventative measures should be taken to ensure safe passage for pedestrians.
• Reviewing the efforts made to remedy the situation: This includes both the removal of snow and ice and the implementation of other measures, such as applying salt or sand, to improve traction.

The laws surrounding snow and ice removal in Tennessee are designed to ensure public safety without placing undue or unreasonable burdens on property owners or municipalities. When snow and ice accumulate naturally, they are considered one of life’s “normal hazards” and the expectation is that they will be addressed within a timely manner. When property owners fail to address the issue effectively or within a reasonable amount of time, they can be held liable for the harm that follows.

When you sustain an injury from a slip and fall accident on an icy sidewalk or parking lot, the attorneys at The Haynes Firm can help you understand your options. During your complimentary consultation, we will listen to your story, discuss applicable laws, and help you determine if legal action is right for your situation.

How Is Liability Determined in Ice-Related Slip and Fall Accidents?

Determining liability in ice-related slip and fall accidents relies on the establishment of four key elements:

1. Duty of Care: Showing the property owner or manager had a duty to maintain the property in a reasonably safe condition. This could mean removing ice and snow to prevent hazardous conditions that could lead to slip and fall accidents.
2. Breach of Duty: Establishing that the property owner failed to take the actions that a reasonably prudent person would take under similar circumstances. This might involve failing to salt or sand walkways and parking lots, not shoveling snow in a timely manner, or neglecting to put up warning signs about icy conditions.
3. Causation. Proving that the breach of duty caused the accident and the resulting injuries. This means proving that the slip and fall accident would not have occurred if the property owner had addressed the icy conditions.
4. Damages. Providing evidence of the damages that resulted from the fall. These may include economic losses, non-economic losses, and more.

Establishing liability following an icy slip and fall requires the gathering of evidence and a strong knowledge of premises liability and personal injury law. Discussing your case with an experienced accident attorney is one of the best ways to learn if your claim qualifies for legal action.

Our Premises Liability Lawyers Are Here to Help

At The Haynes Firm, we understand the complexities involved in establishing liability following ice-related slip and fall accidents. Dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured due to others’ negligence, we carefully investigate these cases to gather evidence and build a strong argument for compensation.

Known for our attention to detail and care for our clients, our attorneys are proven both in and out of the courtroom, earning distinctions from Super Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers Association, U.S. News & World Report, and more. While our results speak for themselves, we are also favorably reviewed on multiple platforms, including Google and Lawyers.com, highlighting our firm’s commitment to providing personalized representation to victims of serious injury sustained in all types of accidents. If you have been injured in a slip and fall, we are here to listen to your experiences and provide straightforward advice on how to seek the compensation you need.

Contact The Haynes Firm for Your Free Ice-Related Slip and Fall Accident Consultation Today!

To schedule your FREE case review, contact The Haynes Firm online or call our Johnson City office today. We fight for people who have suffered serious injuries in slip and fall accidents in Pine Crest, Jonesborough, Walnut Hill, and all nearby areas of Tennessee.