Connecticut winters bring plenty of ice and snow, making sidewalks and parking lots treacherous for pedestrians, shoppers, and anyone else walking along these paths. Whose responsibility is it to clear these paths and make conditions less dangerous? The answer isn’t always simple, but if you’ve been injured on snow or ice, you deserve clarification on your options for compensation.

The slip and fall attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have been representing injured clients in Connecticut for a combined 100+ years. We are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your snow or ice slip and fall, because an informed decision means you can feel confident about your choice to move forward.

Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall on Ice or Snow in Connecticut?

Connecticut law covers various scenarios in which an icy or snow-covered pathway causes injury . State law allows local municipalities to assign liability for slippery sidewalks to private property owners, although this isn’t always the case. The complexities of Connecticut’s laws regarding liability make consulting with an attorney the best way to get accurate information about your case, but the general guidelines are as follows:

  • If the city or town owns the property next to the sidewalk where you fell (e.g., the police station or courthouse), then the government may be liable for your injuries
  • Slipping on private property generally means that the property owner or tenant is responsible for your accident.
  • The responsibility for clearing pathways on public property like grocery stores usually falls to the store owner or property owner.

Different cities and towns can also implement various regulations regarding clearing snow and ice, such as the time periods by which a property owner must shovel snow or clear ice from pathways.

There are numerous variables that can impact liability in a slip and fall accident. For personalized guidance on liability and the potential for compensation in your case, contact the slip and fall attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC.

How Serious are Slip and Fall Injuries Caused by Icy Sidewalks?

Falling on an icy sidewalk or path can cause severe injuries that impact your daily life, including your ability to work or perform activities of daily living. Slipping and falling on stairs covered in snow or ice can be especially dangerous, and while everyone has the responsibility to exercise caution, property owners also have a responsibility to maintain their premises.

Injuries associated with slip and falls involving ice or snow include:

  • Strains and sprains
  • Broken bones
  • Hip injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Ankle injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Severe bruising or lacerations
  • Spine injuries
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Frostbite and hypothermia

You should seek medical attention even if you don’t notice symptoms right away or if your symptoms are mild. It can take hours or even days for some injuries to become symptomatic, and receiving prompt medical care can prevent your injury from worsening. Prioritizing medical treatment is also helpful for your injury case.

Why Choose the Slip and Fall Attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC?

With over a century of combined experience, our attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of premises liability accidents, including identifying the at-fault party in a slip and fall case. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your accident.