Homeowners Need To Keep Sidewalks And Paths Clear Of Ice And Snow

Homeowners should be held accountable for dangerous walkways in cases where they’re the liable party. In many cases, walkways leading up to houses and sidewalks in front of properties are the responsibility of homeowners. Of course, every city, town, or village is different and has different laws, but generally speaking, it’s a homeowner who you’ll be claiming against if you’re injured on a pathway outside a home. That means that in the winter months, it’s their responsibility to make sure the walkway isn’t slick and can be passed without danger.

Shoveling snow is the first thing that most homeowners should do. It’s important to clear a straight path from the home to the street as well as the sidewalks that are the homeowner’s responsibility. Even if the city itself owns the sidewalk, it’s important to understand that homeowners may have the responsibility of clearing that walkway. If it’s not cleared and you get hurt, then it could be the homeowner, not the city, who’s liable.

What kind of trouble can people get in for failing to clear walkways? If local ordinances aren’t followed, homeowners could face fines or even jail time. Why? If others are at risk of being hurt because someone else was being negligent, that’s enough to warrant a charge, fine, or even a conviction.

Sidewalks need to be clear. It’s important that children can walk on them to and from school. It’s vital that those trying to exercise have the safety of a clear walkway to do so instead of being in the street. On top of that, the elderly may struggle through dangerous or hazardous conditions, so a clear walkway can help keep them safe and avoid injuries.

Source: Real Estate Today, “Your Icy Sidewalk Could Get You in Trouble!,” accessed Dec. 15, 2015