Remind Residents of Hazardous Winter Conditions to Minimize Slip-and-Fall Liability

If you're in a part of the country experiencing harsh winter conditions, you may be worried about the possibility of being hit with slip-and-fall lawsuits filed by residents or guests. Although it’s inevitable that accidents will occur, the management can try to make the site as safe as possible for residents and consequently avoid liability for any slip-and-fall accidents.

In addition to following what your state and local laws say about snow and ice removal and not allowing "unnatural" snow and ice accumulation at your site, it's a good idea to send residents a letter at the beginning of winter alerting them to snow and ice hazards. If you have a site newsletter, you can include it there, either in addition to or in place of a letter to each resident.

The letter should say that the site cannot guarantee anyone’s safety in snow and ice and that residents must be careful. It should also provide guidelines to follow to avoid injury. You can include additional logistical information, too, such as your site's parking policy which residents must follow to facilitate plowing. To view our model letter, click here.