When a person injures himself on a slip and fall accident in Rhode Island on the ice or snow on a residential property, his success in obtaining damages as a result of the premises liability accident. I n Rhode Island residential homeowners have a duty to clear snow and ice in a reasonable manner.
Negligence by the homeowner in Rhode Island
Negligence on the part of the homeowner is not a natural consequence of a slip and fall injury. Just because you fell on someone’s property or the area on the property was slippery doesn’t automatically make the owner of a residential property liable. It must be shown that a property owner was negligent and such malfeasance caused your slip and fall accident in RI. This could be shown by proving that the homeowner knew or should have known of the dangerous or hazardous condition but did not remedy the unsafe condition on his property.
Reasonable care
In cold, snowy areas of the country, there are a high number of cases of injuries on ice and snow. As a consequence there are a lot of litigations brought against property owners. However, it is quite difficult to win such cases. Therefore, the injured victim should hire one of the best Rhode Island slip and fall lawyers. There are detailed laws that state that homeowners must do what is reasonably necessary to keep snow and ice off of pathways, sidewalks and driveways to make them reasonably safe. These laws vary according to what state or area one lives. The idea of what is reasonable handling of ice and snow in various jurisdictions affects the liability of the property owner.
Actions to take following slip and fall in Rhode Island
After an ice or snow slip and fall, it is a good idea to take photos of the scene. Ice and snow condition can change rapidly. Take pictures of your clothing and any visible injuries you sustained. You are much more likely to win a case if you can show photos of exactly the condition of the ice and snow when you fell.
Recovery in Providence Superior Court as a result of the fall on ice
Throughout history, jurors have often taken the stand that the presence of ice and snow is known to be a potentially unsafe condition and that it is difficult for a homeowner to keep his property ice and snow free all the time. The reasonable person should know this and be especially careful. It is not easy to find a private homeowner liable for ice and snow injuries. Those cases that are successful usually result in fairly low awards. A top RI Slip and fall lawyer can help negate those trends and get you a high damages award for your premises liability cause of action in RI. If you do win a settlement, you may recover medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.