Legally Reviewed By: Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner At Knowles Law Firm
In Nebraska, property owners have clear responsibilities when it comes to keeping their premises safe during the colder months, including clearing their walkways and driveways, unblocking fire hydrants, using salt or sand, and more. These responsibilities are critical for keeping visitors and pedestrians safe. With over 55 years of experience, the Omaha personal injury attorneys at Knowles Law Firm understand the complexities of premises liability cases and the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable.
Imagine walking on a snowy sidewalk outside a local business in Omaha, only to suddenly slip and find yourself injured. It’s a harsh reminder of how winter transforms the landscape into a hazard zone. These moments highlight why winter safety is more than just a courtesy — it’s a legal duty. If you need assistance handling an injury claim, including one related to winter weather hazards, please get in touch with us to retain our support.
What Are Nebraska’s Laws on Snow and Ice Removal?
Nebraska’s laws on snow and ice removal during the winter vary from county to county and city to city. However, cities like Omaha generally require property owners to remove snow and ice from their property walkways and driveways within 24 hours. These owners should also clear snow around fire hydrants, using a shovel to create a path to the street. Nebraska laws also state that pushing or blowing snow into streets, alleys, or sidewalks that don’t belong to the property owners is illegal.
Additionally, government entities are generally responsible for clearing public roadways and walkways. However, some county boards will create contracts with homeowners associations (HOAs) to provide removal services to some nonpublic roads.
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What Specific Responsibilities Do Property Owners Have in Winter?
In Nebraska, property owners may have several specific responsibilities they are required to handle. Some of these responsibilities have been established to create safer travel conditions for anyone on a given property, including mail carriers and delivery drivers who are invitees of a person’s property.
The following are specific responsibilities property owners should handle in the winter months:
- Clearing snow and ice promptly
- Addressing structural risks like roof icicles or poorly drained areas
- Keeping downspouts, roof, and front door area free of ice or puddles
- Salting, sanding, or using other methods to prevent slippery conditions
- Clearing hot water vents, meters, and furnaces clear of snow
- Using a shovel to clear snow from around fire hydrants
Depending on the circumstances, property owners may also have additional responsibilities to tend to in the winter. If you get into an accident because a property owner failed to follow through on their responsibilities, we at Knowles Law Firm can help you hold liable parties accountable. Please reach out to our Omaha premises liability attorneys if you need assistance or answers to your questions during this difficult time.
Why Are Winter Safety Duties Important?
Winter safety duties are essential, as they can help keep visitors, invitees, and others safe while visiting a particular property. Ice and snow can create slipping hazards, blocked vents can restrict oxygen flow into the home, and inaccessible fire hydrants can restrict fire department capabilities. This means that failing to take safety duties seriously can result in serious injuries or death for victims.
Failing to follow winter safety duties can also have legal consequences for those who ignore them. If someone gets hurt while visiting a property, the owner can be sued and face severe damages if the property owner is found to be negligent.
How We Can Help With Your Winter Injury Claim
When property owners fail to uphold their legal responsibilities during the winter, the consequences can be life-altering. At Knowles Law Firm, we have 55 years of experience helping individuals navigate the challenges of premises liability claims, including those related to winter weather hazards. Whether it’s an injury caused by icy walkways or blocked access to essential services, we know how to build a solid case to help you seek justice.
Our track record of multi-million dollar settlements demonstrates our dedication to achieving fair results for our clients. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We offer free consultations and work on contingency, so you only pay us when you win your claim.
You can rest assured we’re just as dedicated to your claim’s success as you are, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to retain our legal support. Call us today at (402) 431-9000 or use our contact form to get started.
About Our Attorney
Robert M. Knowles
Attorney & Partner at Knowles Law Firm
Robert has tried cases in both state and federal courts and was selected as one of the top 100 litigation lawyers in Nebraska for 2014 by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Less than 1.5 percent of lawyers nationally are selected for this recognition. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell which is the highest rating an attorney can obtain. He was also selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2019 Top Rated Lawyer.
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