Even in areas with low precipitation levels, Colorado can have some very blustery and frigid winter weather. Businesses and other facilities open to the public need to be aware of the risks that come with colder temperatures.
Companies have a responsibility to make their spaces safe for the people that visit them. Failing to address risks caused by winter weather can lead to a slip-and-fall that puts someone out of work.
Snow and ice, as well as snowmelt, are known risk factors
There are certain sources of danger that a business won’t be able to predict or avoid. A meteor coming through the ceiling is theoretically possible but so unlikely that no business plans for that specific scenario. However, in a state like Colorado, every company knows that snow, sleet and ice are an inevitable part of winter.
Companies should have snow removal policies for their sidewalks, parking lots and entranceways. They should also take care to ensure that interior spaces stay dry because the snow that people track in can also lead to people getting hurt. When a company doesn’t do what is reasonable and necessary to protect the safety of visitors, someone who gets hurt may be able to allege negligence.
Negligence allegations are often a cornerstone of premises liability claims brought against businesses where people get hurt because they slipped on ice in the parking lot or on water inside the building. If the business could have prevented your slip-and-fall incident with maintenance or cleaning, you could potentially have a claim for the financial losses you’ve suffered.