Bellevue Snow and Ice Injury Attorney
Snow and Ice Injury Lawyer in Bellevue for Snow and Ice Injury Victims
While the snow can be fun to play in, any type of travel in snow or ice, either in a vehicle or on foot, can be dangerous. Some may simply blame snow and ice accidents on the weather itself, the truth is that they can be easily avoided. Property owners, both commercial and residential alike, are legally responsible for managing the snow and ice removal on their property, for invitees have the right to expect the property to be reasonably safe. This means that a landowner has a duty to make the communal areas of its property safe for invitees if it knows or should know of the condition that causes the unreasonable risk of harm and should expect the invitee will fail to protect themselves against the risk. Snow and ice are the prime example of this responsibility, as people will often be forced to encounter these dangers to get their basic needs accomplished, food/work etc.
There are several distinct components to a slip and fall case involving snow and ice that are necessary for financial compensation. Working with an experienced attorney can help you in navigating that process so you can focus your efforts towards your recovery.
If there’s one thing Washington can rely on, it’s the rain. As temperatures drop, that rain can easily turn to ice, making roadways far more dangerous and motor vehicle accidents far more prevalent. It is important to drive slowly and drive safe when the weather conditions require it, but if you or a loved one are injured in accident due to snow and ice, or have any legal related questions, please feel free to reach out to Charles McNeese and Adam Trotsky for a free phone, video, or in-person consultation. We look forward to answering any of your questions.
A Commercial Property Owner's Duty
Commercial property owners are legally responsible for managing the conditions of their property, for invitees have the right to expect the property to be reasonably safe. This means that a landowner has a duty to make the communal areas of its property safe for invitees if it knows or should know of the condition that causes the unreasonable risk of harm and should expect the invitee will fail to protect themselves against the risk.
The general rule is that the commercial property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care and maintain their property in a safe condition. Failure to maintain these standards of safety for its invitees leave the property owner responsible for the injuries that occur as a result and thereby responsible for the damages that follow.
A Commercial Property Owner's Negligence
In slip and fall cases involving snow and ice you must be able to provide clear and compelling evidence to prove that the property owner was negligent in their duty to safeguard their property against accumulating hazards. In order to do so, you must show a failure to meet that duty, your resulting injuries, and that their violation of their duty caused those injuries. For example, a property owner does not adequately salt their sidewalk outside their store (breach of duty), and you fall and break your leg as you are walking through the front door (the damages).