Winter weather can lead to serious hazards, especially when icy sidewalks and driveways are not properly maintained. In Alexandria, VA, slip and fall lawyer services become especially important when individuals are hurt due to uncleared ice on walkways. At Blaszkow Legal, we know how devastating these injuries can be and how difficult it may be to determine who is legally responsible for the conditions that led to a fall.
Property Owner Responsibilities In Winter
In most cases, property owners have a duty to keep walkways reasonably safe, including removing ice and snow within a certain timeframe. This applies to both residential and commercial properties. Failing to do so could be considered negligence if it results in someone getting injured. In Alexandria, local ordinances require homeowners and business owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends. Ignoring this rule can create dangerous situations and potential liability for falls.
When Liability Becomes Complicated
In Alexandria, slip and fall liability isn’t always straightforward. For instance, if a snowstorm is still ongoing, the law may give property owners some leeway before expecting them to clear walkways. Additionally, who is responsible may vary depending on whether the incident happened on private property, a public sidewalk, or a rental unit. In some rental agreements, tenants, not landlords, are required to handle snow and ice removal. Our slip injury lawyers can cut through the complications in order to help you win your case.
It’s also worth noting that not every fall on ice leads to a valid claim. The injured person must show that the property owner knew or should have known about the icy condition and failed to take timely action. That means evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and maintenance logs, can be key in proving a case.
How We Investigate These Claims
We start by gathering facts quickly, since weather conditions change fast and evidence can disappear. Surveillance footage, medical records, and local weather data are all used to build a strong case. Our team of 15 personal injury attorneys is equipped to handle these investigations thoroughly. Our Alexandria slip and fall lawyers have the resources to dig deep into property ownership, maintenance history, and city code violations that might have contributed to the fall.
The Role Of Comparative Negligence
Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which means that if an injured person is found to be even 1% at fault, they may not be able to recover damages. This makes it especially important to build a case that clearly shows the property owner’s fault without opening the door to counterclaims. For instance, if someone was wearing improper footwear or was distracted at the time of the fall, that could hurt the outcome.
We also look at whether the ice was a natural accumulation or worsened by poor drainage or neglect. Additionally, if there has been a history of reports to the city manager or injuries originating in the area of your fall, this helps your case and can lead to greater damages being awarded. Our professional premises liability lawyers can find this information and use it to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries.
Why Experience Matters
With 43 years of experience handling personal injury cases, our firm understands what it takes to pursue claims related to winter falls successfully. We’ve represented clients injured in front of stores, apartment buildings, and public facilities, tailoring our approach to fit each situation.
Holding the right party accountable after a fall on an icy walkway requires quick action and knowledgeable legal support. If you’ve been injured and suspect negligence played a role, Blaszkow Legal, PLLC is here to help you take the next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation.