If you live in Denver, or visit in the winter, you will encounter slippery, icy sidewalks at some point in time. There is no way to keep them free of snow and ice all the time. But, property owners have legal duty to clear them within a certain amount of time. Businesses have a shorter amount of time than residents. Certain sidewalks re the city’s responsibility, but most are not. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident on an icy sidewalk, your injury attorney must determine who is liable.
Denver Law
In Denver, property owners can be fined for failing to clear their sidewalks within the time limit, but the process is slow and there are lots of warnings. Bottom line is, fines are rare. However, that does not relieve property owners of liability if someone is injured due to their negligence.
Businesses have only four hours, after the snow stops falling, to clear their sidewalks. Residents have more leeway. They get 24 hours, again after the snow stops falling, to clear the sidewalks adjacent to their property.
Premises Liability
Slip and fall accidents are covered by an area of law called premises liability. Property and business owners have a responsibility to maintain a safe environment for customers, employees, visitors, and in the case of icy sidewalks in Denver, even passersby. When they fail to do so, they can be held financially responsible for any injuries that follow, but you still have to prove it. That means, gathering evidence very quickly, before the ice melts.
If you have been injured on an icy sidewalk, in Denver, please, contact an experienced Denver premises liability attorney immediately.
