Snow-Covered Walkways Can Turn Apartment Living Dangerous
Winter storms don’t just impact roads and sidewalks — they can make apartment complexes extremely hazardous. Icy stairs, unshoveled walkways, and poorly lit parking lots create serious risks for tenants and visitors. Every year, people suffer preventable injuries because landlords and property managers fail to properly address snow and ice hazards.
While winter weather is unavoidable, unsafe property conditions often are not. In many cases, landlords may be legally responsible when someone is hurt due to untreated winter hazards. Below, our friends at KBD Attorneys discuss winter accidents at apartment complexes.
Common Winter Hazards at Apartment Buildings
Apartment complexes have multiple shared areas that must be maintained for tenant safety. During and after a winter storm, some of the most dangerous spots include:
- Icy staircases and entry steps
- Snow-covered sidewalks and walkways
- Slippery parking lots and garages
- Poorly shoveled paths between buildings
- Melted snow that refreezes overnight into black ice
- Broken or missing handrails made worse by icy conditions
Because tenants use these areas daily, hazards can quickly lead to serious slip and fall injuries.
Why Apartment Winter Accidents Are Often Preventable
Landlords and property management companies typically have a duty to maintain common areas in a reasonably safe condition. That responsibility includes taking steps to reduce winter hazards, such as:
- Shoveling and salting walkways
- Clearing ice from stairs and entrances
- Inspecting the property after storms
- Ensuring proper drainage to prevent refreezing
- Providing adequate lighting during early winter darkness
When property managers delay snow removal or ignore known icy conditions, they increase the risk of preventable injuries.
Who Is Responsible — The Landlord or a Snow Removal Company?
Many apartment complexes hire third-party snow removal contractors. However, outsourcing the work doesn’t automatically remove the landlord’s responsibility.
Liability may depend on:
- The terms of the snow removal contract
- Whether the work was done properly
- How quickly hazards were addressed
- Whether property management inspected the work
In some cases, both the property owner and the snow removal company may share responsibility for a tenant’s injuries.
Common Injuries in Apartment Winter Accidents
Slip and fall accidents on ice can cause serious harm, especially on stairs or hard pavement. Frequent injuries include:
- Broken wrists and arms
- Ankle and leg fractures
- Hip injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
A personal injury lawyer knows that, for older tenants, a winter fall can be especially dangerous and may lead to long recovery times or permanent mobility issues.
What Tenants Should Do After a Winter Slip and Fall
If you’re injured due to snow or ice at an apartment complex:
- Seek medical care right away
- Take photos of the icy area and surrounding conditions
- Report the incident to property management in writing
- Save your shoes and clothing from the fall
- Get contact information for any witnesses
Winter hazards can melt or be cleared quickly, so documenting conditions as soon as possible is extremely important.
Landlords Can’t Ignore Winter Safety
Cold weather doesn’t pause a landlord’s responsibility to maintain safe common areas. When apartment complexes fail to properly manage snow and ice, tenants can suffer serious injuries that lead to medical bills, missed work, and long-term pain.
Understanding your rights after a winter apartment slip and fall accident can help determine whether a property owner’s negligence played a role.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
