With the amount of sunshine, rain and sometimes even snow that North Carolina gets throughout the year, it is crucial for business and property owners to make sure their property is properly maintained. If they do not take the necessary precautions for their properties, there is a higher chance that someone could slip or fall during times of inclement weather.
Check for cracks around the site
During the course of seasons like winter, it isn’t uncommon for potholes to develop within a driveway or parking lot. Furthermore, concrete surfaces may be vulnerable to cracks during periods of extremely cold weather. Salt, sand and other material that is laid on these surfaces might cause damage that will need to be repaired in a timely manner. Otherwise, a person might be at a higher risk of getting hurt in a slip, trip or fall accident.
Be prepared for rainy and snowy days
Hiring someone to remove snow from a sidewalk, parking lot or driveway can help to ensure that surfaces are cleared in a timely manner. It can also ensure that a family member, friend or employee isn’t hurt trying to shovel snow that can be extremely heavy when wet. For commercial property, it might also be worthwhile to hire someone who can cover surfaces with sand or salt.
For rainy days, having mats near the front door can be very important if the property does not have carpeted floors or staircases. Not giving visitors the chance to dry their shoes can greatly increase their chances of getting into an accident.
Place warning signs throughout the property
A property owner may be able to limit his or her liability in a premises liability case by warning guests about the hazards that they may face. For instance, a sign could encourage a person to watch their step because the parking lot may be icy or if the entrance or staircase is slippery during a rainy day. If the property owner plans on repairing an area with a large crack, they need to make sure people are aware not to go near that area.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages if you’re injured on another person’s property. An attorney may review your case in an effort to determine whether your injuries were caused by property owner negligence. Your attorney may then represent your interests during settlement talks or at trial.
