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When Must a Property Owner Remove Snow in Connecticut?

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When Must A Property Owner Remove Ice/Snow From The Premises?

Standards for Snow and Ice Removal in Connecticut

As the weather turns cold and the ice starts to claim our grounds, you may wonder about the responsibilities a property owner has to fulfill. What extent can a landlord or commercial tenant be liable in the event of a slip and fall injury due to snow or ice? Under Connecticut law, a property owner has a legal obligation to remove or treat dangerous accumulations of snow or ice on the property. If you have been injured due to the lack of snow/ice removal, contact our slip and fall lawyers today. 

Kraus v. Newton, 211 Conn. 191, 197-558 A.2d 240 (1989)

A property owner, in fulfilling the duty owed to invitees upon his property to exercise reasonable diligence in removing dangerous accumulations of snow and ice, may await the end of a storm and a reasonable time thereafter before removing ice and snow from outside walks and steps. The Connecticut Supreme Court has held that property owners are entitled to wait a reasonable time after a storm to remove ice unless there are ‘unusual circumstances’. 

It has only been found that ‘unusual circumstances’ exist when precipitation has already changed and there are no alternative means of egress from the subject premises.

What Does This Mean?

A property owner’s obligation to remove snow or ice does not start until after a reasonable period of time has passed following the end of a storm. Therefore, a property owner may not be liable to an injured party who slips and falls on snow or ice if the injured party fell during the storm, which is commonly referred to as the “ongoing storm” doctrine. 

When is a Property Owner Liable for a Snow/Ice Slip & Fall Injury?

If the slip and fall injury was caused by an older accumulation of snow or ice, the property manager is liable for any injuries that occurred. 

Snow/Ice Removal is a "Non-delegable Duty"

This means that the property owner cannot avoid responsibility if an injury occurred due to the lack of snow/ice removal because they had assigned the responsibility of snow removal to another party. When this happens, it is likely that an injured person will be able to bring a claim against the landowner and the snow removal company when the snow removal company fails to perform its responsibilities.

Compensation for a Slip and Fall Accident on Snow/Ice

A slip and fall accident victim whose injuries were caused by a separate, negligent party is entitled to compensation for their injuries. The victim may receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages depending on the severity of the case. Some economic damages a victim can recover are the following:

  • Medical bills ( present and future)
  • Lost wages (present and future)
  • Funeral expenses (for a wrongful death)

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Contact McCoy & McCoy Law Firm

CT Slip and Fall Lawyers

In order to protect your rights to compensation, however, you urgently need a CT slip and fall injury lawyer on your side as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could run the risk of being offered an unfair settlement. Connecticut’s law states that you have two years to file a slip and fall injury, so time is of the essence. Contact our qualified lawyers today.

Don’t deal with the hassle of insurance alone. At McCoy & McCoy, you can find the personalized, experienced and trial-tested advocacy that you deserve. Please call us today to speak with a slip and fall attorney.

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