When Are Property Owners Liable for Slip and Fall Accidents in Winter?

Winter weather creates dangerous conditions that often lead to slip-and-fall accidents. Injuries caused by icy walkways or snow-covered steps can leave victims facing physical pain and financial stress.

At Brown & Brown, LLP, we have over 30 years of experience helping clients recover after accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall, we’re here to guide you.

When Is a Property Owner Considered Negligent?

Property owners in Missouri and Illinois are expected to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe during winter months. Local ordinances often outline specific responsibilities for snow and ice removal, such as timeframes for clearing walkways after a storm. If a property owner disregards these rules, delays action, or ignores a known issue, and someone gets injured, the owner may be considered negligent. 

In short, negligence occurs when a property owner knows or should have known about a hazard but does not take appropriate action to fix it. Common examples include:

• Failing to treat icy surfaces after a storm.
• Leaving snow to pile up in walkways or parking lots.
• Not addressing areas prone to melting and refreezing.

In cases like these, you may have grounds to file a claim for damages. However, proving negligence requires careful documentation and legal expertise.

What Is Not Considered Negligence?

Not all accidents involving snow or ice are caused by negligence. For example:

• Rapidly Changing Conditions: If freezing and melting occur quickly, the property owner may not have had enough time to address the hazard.
• Ongoing Storms: If snow or ice continues to accumulate during a storm, property owners may not be expected to clear it immediately.
• Natural Accumulation Rule: In some cases, property owners are not required to remove naturally occurring snow or ice unless it creates an unusual danger, depending on the jurisdiction.

Determining whether negligence is involved often requires a detailed review of the circumstances.

Steps to Take After a Winter Slip and Fall

If you’ve been injured, document the scene by taking photos, gathering witness information, and reporting the incident to the property owner. Seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced attorney to review your case.

At Brown & Brown, LLP, we know how difficult it can be to recover after an accident, which is why we work hard to protect your rights. With offices serving St. Louis, MO, and Illinois, we’re ready to help. Call us today at 314-333-3333, 573-333-3333, or 618-888-8888 for a free case review. We don’t get paid unless you win!