Dealing with the aftermath of a slip-on-ice accident can change your life forever, leaving you with lasting physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. Fortunately, our experienced attorneys at Belén Law Firm are here to help you navigate the many challenges associated with accidents caused by icy sidewalks and other winter hazards. 

At Belén Law Firm, our AZ personal injury attorneys understand the importance of prompt and effective legal assistance when it comes to helping you secure the justice and compensation you deserve, and that’s exactly what we’re here to do. We are happy to work with clients all throughout Coconino County, including the cities of Flagstaff, Williams, Munds Park, Tuba City, and Page. For a free initial consultation to discuss your Coconino County slip-on-ice case, call (602) 715-0908 or reach out online today.

Common Causes of Slip-On-Ice Accidents in Coconino County

Slip-on-ice accidents often occur when property owners neglect to properly maintain their premises, leading to hazardous conditions that can cause falls. Factors like uncleared snow, icy walkways, and insufficient de-icing can lead to these dangerous incidents.

Weather Conditions and Negligent Property Maintenance

Weather conditions play a significant role in slip-on-ice accidents, especially during the colder months when snow and ice accumulation are common. However, it’s not just the weather itself that poses a risk. When property owners fail to adequately clear snow and ice from walkways, parking lots, and entryways, they create dangerous conditions for pedestrians. This neglect can lead to ice forming in uneven layers or refreezing, making surfaces treacherous to navigate. 

Public vs. Private Property Incidents

Slip-on-ice accidents can occur on both public and private property, but the location of the incident plays a crucial role in determining legal responsibility. When an individual slips and falls on someone else’s property, be it a residential driveway, a commercial storefront, or a public sidewalk, different rules and liabilities may apply. For instance, on private property, such as a home or business, the property owner is typically responsible for maintaining safe conditions. This includes timely snow and ice removal and ensuring walkways are adequately treated to prevent slips. If a property owner neglects these duties and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the victim’s injuries.

Incidents on public property, like city sidewalks or public park paths, can involve more complex legal scenarios. While the responsibility for maintenance often falls on municipal or government entities, the specifics can vary based on local laws and ordinances. For example, in some cases, adjacent property owners might be responsible for sidewalk maintenance. As such, understanding who is liable in a slip-on-ice accident on public property can be more challenging, as it may involve navigating governmental immunity and other legal nuances.

On both public and private properties, determining the property owner’s role and whether their actions (or lack thereof) directly contributed to the accident is key to establishing liability and seeking compensation for your injuries.

Liability of Businesses and Municipalities

In Coconino County, AZ, businesses and municipalities bear significant responsibility when it comes to preventing slip-on-ice accidents on their premises. For businesses, this means not only ensuring that walkways, parking lots, and entrances are clear of ice and snow but also addressing other contributing factors like poor lighting. Inadequate lighting can obscure icy patches, making it difficult for patrons to navigate safely and increasing the risk of falls and injuries. 

Municipalities in Coconino County also have a duty to maintain public spaces, such as sidewalks, roads, and public parking areas, in a safe condition. This includes regular snow and ice removal and ensuring that public lighting is adequate for safe navigation during evening and nighttime hours. If a municipality neglects these responsibilities and an individual slips and is injured due to these oversights, the municipality could be liable for damages. The key factor in such cases is proving that the business or municipality knew, or should have known, about the hazardous conditions and failed to take appropriate measures to fix them.