Michigan winters can be brutal, leaving property owners with a long list of maintenance tasks come springtime. Melting snow, blooming landscapes and warmer weather bring a renewed sense of outdoor activity. However, these changes can also introduce new premises liability hazards for visitors.
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners liable for injuries sustained by those harmed while on the property owner’s premises. The following are some of the more common premises liability hazards that can cause Michigan residents and visitors harm in the springtime.
Springtime slip and fall hazards
Melting snow and spring showers can create a slippery mess on sidewalks, walkways and parking lots. Ice patches lingering in shaded areas, uneven pavement exposed after the winter freeze-thaw cycle and wet leaves blanketing the ground can all create prime conditions for slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to help ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This may include regularly clearing walkways of snow and debris, salting icy patches and placing warning signs to alert visitors of potential hazards.
Potholes and uneven surfaces
Spring melt often reveals the harsh reality of winter’s toll on parking lots and walkways. Potholes, cracks and uneven pavement surfaces become more prominent, posing a significant tripping hazard for pedestrians. If you are a resident of the Great Lakes State, you should know that property owners have a responsibility to regularly inspect their premises for these hazards and take steps to repair them promptly.
Inadequate lighting
As daylight hours shorten in the evenings, inadequate lighting can become a serious concern. Poorly lit parking lots, walkways and entrances can make it difficult for visitors to identify potential hazards like uneven surfaces, potholes or loose objects. Property owners have a legal duty to help ensure adequate lighting throughout their premises, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
If you suffer an injury on someone else’s property due to a dangerous condition, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. When pursuing a personal injury claim, you can benefit from consulting a reliable legal team that can help link your injuries to the accident you sustained on another’s property.
