If I Fall as a Result of Snow and Ice, Can I Sue the Property Owner for Negligence?

Understanding the implications of falling or slipping on snow or ice is important if you have been injured on private property.

2012-05-17

May 17, 2012 (Press-News.org) A common inquiry from potential clients is whether they can sue a property owner for negligence for slipping and falling upon or as a result of shoveled snow or ice? The correct answer depends upon where you fall.

Illinois common law historically provides that a property owner is not liable for "natural accumulations" of ice and snow. In other words if snow falls from the sky and remains untouched there is no liability. On the other hand if the property owner engages in snow removal operations liability attaches for negligent activity. To a lay person this rule seems unfair as it appears to punish those that attempt to clear the snow and not persons too lazy or indifferent to pick up a shovel. To make matters worse most shoveling occurs on publicly-owned sidewalks.

To rectify the apparent common law injustice, the Illinois legislature passed a law which immunizes residential property owners for all negligent acts occurring during snow removal operations on private and public property. This immunity does not extend to commercial or public property.

Careful walking on snow and ice is essential for all of us but if someone falls and is injured as a result of negligent operations you will now know whether liability attaches to their conduct.

About Steinberg, Burtker & Grossman, Ltd.

Our firm is one of the top personal injury law firms in Chicago. We have been providing personal service to injured people for over four decades. Our Chicago attorneys believe that practicing law is not just a job, it's a craft. Personal injury claims, especially tough ones, cannot simply be worked through. They must be thought through. Every element must be carefully considered and a strategic method must be employed.

Steinberg, Burtker & Grossman, Ltd.
55 East Monroe Street, Suite 2920
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-726-4444
Toll Free: 866-942-8024
Fax: 312-726-2333
Website: http://www.rickgrossman.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

USF study: Common fungicide wreaks havoc on freshwater ecosystems

2012-05-17

TAMPA, Fla. (May 16, 2012) – Chlorothalonil, one of the world's most common fungicides used pervasively on food crops and golf courses, was lethal to a wide variety of freshwater organisms in a new study, University of South Florida researchers said Wednesday. Biologists Taegan McMahon and Jason Rohr, co-authors of the study published in the journal Ecology Letters, report that chlorothalonil killed amphibians, snails, zooplankton, algae, and aquatic plants below estimated environmental concentrations previously deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ...

New York Personal Injury Lawyer from The Perecman Firm Announces Support of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

2012-05-17

New York civil rights violation lawyers at The Perecman Firm join the New York Civil Liberties Union and a number of other civil rights advocacy organizations in their call to outlaw discrimination in New York State based on gender expression or identity. "The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, known as GENDA, is a bill that explicitly bans discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people in New York," civil rights violation lawyer David Perecman explained. GENDA passed the New York State Assembly on April 30, said the New York ...

US, Great Britain share risk factors for child behavior problems

2012-05-17

New research from North Carolina State University shows that the United States and Great Britain share common risk factors that increase the likelihood of behavioral problems in children – and that Britain's broader social welfare programs don't appear to mitigate those risks. The researchers – from NC State, California State University Northridge and the University of Illinois (UI) – evaluated data from a 1994 study of children between the ages of five and 13 in the U.S. and a 1991 study of children in the same age range from England, Scotland and Wales. In both societies, ...

Alzheimer's gene causes brain's blood vessels to leak, die

2012-05-17

A well-known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that ultimately results in leaky blood vessels in the brain, allowing toxic substances to pour into brain tissue in large amounts, scientists report May 16 in the journal Nature. The results come from a team of scientists investigating why a gene called ApoE4 makes people more prone to developing Alzheimer's. People who carry two copies of the gene have roughly eight to 10 times the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease than people who do not. A team of scientists from the University ...

Save 20% or More at Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites for Stays Booked By Friday May 18

2012-05-17

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located near Perimeter Mall, announces a new special savings offer that lets guests save at least 20% on best available rates. The Starpicks Online Exclusive is available for stays booked now through May 18, 2012. Guests will receive: - Starpicks rates from $85 per night - Stay Thursday - Sunday, May 17 - June 3 - Earn Starpoints for your Starpicks stay Reference rate plan WHOTA2 when booking. Rates are pre-paid, non-refundable and blackout dates may apply. "Conveniently located only 15 miles north of downtown Atlanta ...

Brightworth, Atlanta Financial Advisors, Say Taming the U.S. Budget Beast Has Been Done Before

2012-05-17

In recent years, U.S. budget deficits and the national debt have grown rapidly. Today, many in Washington and around the country think the runaway debt is out of control and cannot be turned around. However, Brightworth, Atlanta financial advisors, say some may be surprised to learn we've been here before and were able to bring the debt back down. During World War II, the United States ran massive budget deficits that caused our debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio to skyrocket from 44 percent in 1940 to 109 percent in 1946. As the war came to an end, the United ...

Atlanta Painters The Painting Company Encourage Homeowners to Have Their House Painted for Spring

2012-05-17

The Atlanta house painting experts at The Painting Company encourage Atlanta homeowners to have their house's exterior painted for Spring. If your home is showing some weathering after this winter, let the Atlanta painters from The Painting Company spruce your home back up just in time for Spring! "Spring is a great time to paint your home's exterior," notes Chris Camp, owner of The Painting Company. "Many people like a fresh start when Spring arrives, and what is fresher than new paint for your home? Sometimes, making your home more beautiful on the outside ...

Atlanta Granite Countertop Company Craftmark Countertops Announces Fresh New Website

2012-05-17

Much in the same way that new countertops in Atlanta make a kitchen or bathroom look fresh and new, Craftmark Countertop's new website is getting compliments from customers and colleagues. The website address has not changed, but new photography and features have been added to improve the user experience. Right from the home page, visitors to www.craftmarkcountertops.com are welcomed by a slideshow of beautiful in-home countertops that certainly begins to inspire anyone that is considering new countertops in Atlanta. Craftmark Countertops offers selections of granite ...

Atlanta Tree Service Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts Tout the Benefits of Healthy Shade Trees for Summer

2012-05-17

Atlanta tree service Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts reminds Atlanta homeowners that healthy shade trees can reduce their cooling bills by 30% this summer. "Shade trees can absorb and block sunlight that would otherwise enter your home and increase your cooling bill," explains Gary Robertson, owner of Atlanta tree removal company Yellow Ribbon Tree Experts. "Having well cared for shade trees makes them more efficient at keeping your house cool, which keeps your air conditioning from having to work as hard." Before the heat of summer settles in, it is ...

Georgia Health Insurance Provider McCart Insurance Discusses Pre-Existing Conditions

2012-05-17

When looking for Georgia health insurance, many individuals and families are very concerned about pre-existing conditions and how they will affect their insurability. McCart Insurance, a provider of Coventry of Georgia healthcare, wishes to explain why insurance companies can be concerned about pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions are any health concern that an individual has before they begin their health insurance coverage. These can be as simple as asthma or allergies, or as challenging as heart disease or cancer. Normally, pre-existing conditions have ...