Winter precipitation is just part of life in the Garden State. New Jersey averages 26.1 inches of snowfall every winter. Most residents and regular visitors are well-equipped to handle snowy, icy days. They adjust their driving by slowing down and leaving earlier. They wear winter gear to avoid frostbite.
They likely expect businesses and property owners to take reasonable steps to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, parking lots can be a much bigger hazard in the winter months than they are when it is warmer. Understanding the risks can help people shop more safely and take appropriate steps if they end up injured due to the negligence of businesses.
What are the main winter parking lot hazards?
Snow, ice and slush are what make parking lots more dangerous during the winter months. Frozen or half-melted precipitation is a slipping hazard. Even people wearing appropriate winter boots can lose their footing on icy parking lot surfaces. When they fall suddenly, they could injure their brains or break bones.
Even if they avoid slipping, the snow, ice and slush can leave them vulnerable to other hazards. There may be potholes or gaps in the pavement that are large and impossible to see under the snow. People may step directly into a hole and twist their ankle or break a bone. They could also trip because they stepped into a lower area filled with snow, ice or slush.
Additionally, drivers in the parking lot are at risk of losing control. They might skid or slide into pedestrians, causing life-altering or deadly injuries.
Who is liable for an icy parking lot?
Businesses and landlords generally have a responsibility to keep facilities safe and accessible. Parking lots at public facilities may be the responsibility of municipal, county or state authorities. Whoever owns or leases the property generally has an obligation to remove snow, melt ice and otherwise keep the parking lot passable and safe.
A failure to invest in proper snow removal or ice remediation services can result in customers or visitors sustaining serious injuries. In those cases, people hurt in an icy parking lot slip-and-fall may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Reporting the matter to management, seeking medical care and possibly consulting with an attorney can help people hold the right party accountable after getting hurt due to unsafe parking lot conditions.