Snow Business
Yes, we know it’s a hassle. With snow in the forecast again, shoveling and snow-blowing is probably the last thing on your to-do list during this busy holiday season.
But with this blast of cold winter weather, it’s a good time to remind you that you have a legal responsibility to keep your walkways and driveway clear of ice and snow for visitors at your home or business.
“Omaha municipal code 34-332 says you have 24 hours after the city’s major streets are cleared to clear your walks and parking area,” said Omaha accident attorneySean Rensch.
Rensch and his father, attorney Richard Rensch, handle slip and fall injury lawsuits in their Omaha law firm, Rensch and Rensch.
Richard Rensch said landlords, business owners and homeowners have a legal obligation to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition.
” ‘Reasonable’ is the key word.” Rensch added that making a concerted effort to clear snow and ice from your property can make a difference if you’re ever sued for negligence in a slip and fall injury. Tossing down a coating of ice-melt product or rock salt at regular intervals after shoveling is a good way to show reasonable effort, and it’s the neighborly thing to do.
He said if the interior entryway of your business is slippery, place rugs there along with a “caution” sign.
Sean Rensch said business owners should also chat with their insurance agent about premises liability coverage.
“A premises liability policy covers those slip and fall injuries on your property. It covers tripping on the edges of a rug, slipping on a wet floor, or slipping and falling down stairs. It also covers injuries sustained while construction work is being done or repairs are made,” said Sean Rensch.
When a claim is made for injuries sustained by someone who is rightfully on your premises, premises liability insurance can protect you from paying out of pocket costs related to the injured person, like doctor visits, medical bills, surgery, inability to work, as well as pain and suffering.
Rensch said the statute of limitations for slip and fall injuries can be up to 4 years, but advise your insurance agent immediately once you are put on notice of any personal injury suffered by another on your property.
And since we’re talking snow-if you want to let the city of Omaha know about a troublesome snow-covered street, call 402-444-4919, or go towww.cityofomaha.org/pw/snow/
To report dangerous City of Omaha sidewalks in a residential or commercial area, call 402-444-5283.
Rensch and Rensch Law specializes in personal injuries, accidents, including automobile and motorcycle accidents, workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, which includes medical malpractice and legal malpractice, and catastrophic injury.
This blog is for information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice.
Yes, we know it’s a hassle. With snow in the forecast again, shoveling and snow-blowing is probably the last thing on your to-do list during this busy holiday season.
But with this blast of cold winter weather, it’s a good time to remind you that you have a legal responsibility to keep your walkways and driveway clear of ice and snow for visitors at your home or business.
“Omaha municipal code 34-332 says you have 24 hours after the city’s major streets are cleared to clear your walks and parking area,” said Omaha accident attorneySean Rensch.
Rensch and his father, attorney Richard Rensch, handle slip and fall injury lawsuits in their Omaha law firm, Rensch and Rensch.
Richard Rensch said landlords, business owners and homeowners have a legal obligation to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition.
” ‘Reasonable’ is the key word.” Rensch added that making a concerted effort to clear snow and ice from your property can make a difference if you’re ever sued for negligence in a slip and fall injury. Tossing down a coating of ice-melt product or rock salt at regular intervals after shoveling is a good way to show reasonable effort, and it’s the neighborly thing to do.
He said if the interior entryway of your business is slippery, place rugs there along with a “caution” sign.
Sean Rensch said business owners should also chat with their insurance agent about premises liability coverage.
“A premises liability policy covers those slip and fall injuries on your property. It covers tripping on the edges of a rug, slipping on a wet floor, or slipping and falling down stairs. It also covers injuries sustained while construction work is being done or repairs are made,” said Sean Rensch.
When a claim is made for injuries sustained by someone who is rightfully on your premises, premises liability insurance can protect you from paying out of pocket costs related to the injured person, like doctor visits, medical bills, surgery, inability to work, as well as pain and suffering.
Rensch said the statute of limitations for slip and fall injuries can be up to 4 years, but advise your insurance agent immediately once you are put on notice of any personal injury suffered by another on your property.
And since we’re talking snow-if you want to let the city of Omaha know about a troublesome snow-covered street, call 402-444-4919, or go towww.cityofomaha.org/pw/snow/
To report dangerous City of Omaha sidewalks in a residential or commercial area, call 402-444-5283.
Rensch and Rensch Law specializes in personal injuries, accidents, including automobile and motorcycle accidents, workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, which includes medical malpractice and legal malpractice, and catastrophic injury.
This blog is for information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice.
