After a recent news report regarding liability in injury claims involving snow-shoveled sidewalks, the St. Louis slip and fall attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman have witnessed a lot of confusion.

To Shovel or Not to Shovel, that is the Question
A Fox4 report stating homeowners who clear snow from sidewalks could be more at-risk of litigation than if they left the sidewalks alone has Missouri residents scratching their heads. What’s a concerned citizen to do?

What You’re Actually Responsible For
Based on Missouri state law, most cities require citizens to clear public sidewalks adjoining public streets along their property within a reasonable amount of time after snow/ice storms depart.

If You Shovel those Sidewalks & Somebody Falls…
If you used reasonable care in your cleaning/shoveling practices, you are at-risk of no additional legal liability. (No OCD/superhuman cleaning effort required.)

When Might You Be Liable?
If you cleared the area, leaving a slippery sheet of ice without sanding/salting it, or just leave the sidewalk to Father Time or Mother Nature to clear, you could likewise be liable.

Looking for a Little More Clarity?
You can find the requirements for your own city on its website, by simply searching the ‘city code’ section, or contacting your city hall for clarification.

Recent slip? The St. Louis slip and fall attorneys at Hoffman & Gelfman wont’ let you fall for misinformation. Find out where you really stand. Contact us today.