At Gould Injury Law, our experienced personal injury attorneys have seen firsthand how dangerous snowy or icy sidewalks can be across Connecticut’s winter season. Each year, countless residents suffer serious injuries due to slips and falls on ice and snow, leading to expensive medical care, lost income, and long-term pain.
But one question comes up again and again: Who is actually responsible for keeping sidewalks safe after a snowstorm—the city, the homeowner, or the business owner? Understanding Connecticut law on snow removal and property owner liability can help you determine whether you have a valid personal injury claim after a winter fall.
Connecticut’s Snow Removal Laws: Who Bears Responsibility?
In Connecticut, the answer depends largely on who owns or controls the sidewalk and whether the injury occurred on a public or private area. Generally, abutting property owners—those whose land borders the sidewalk—are responsible for clearing snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm ends.
Property Owners’ Legal Duty
Under most local ordinances, property owners must remove snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks. This applies to both residential homeowners and business owners. Failing to do so within the time frame specified by city or town law can make them liable for injuries that result from unsafe conditions.
For example, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury each have specific snow removal provisions requiring abutting property owners to clear sidewalks within several hours after snowfall stops. If they fail to comply and someone slips, they can be held accountable for resulting injuries.
When Are Municipalities Liable?
Sometimes, the town or city may be responsible—especially when it retains control over certain public sidewalks, state highways, or municipal properties. However, municipal liability in Connecticut is limited by strict rules under the Defective Highway Statute (CGS §13a-149).
To succeed in a claim against a municipality, you must prove:
- The municipality had a legal duty to maintain that area.
- The defective or dangerous condition caused your injury.
- The city had notice of the hazard and failed to correct it in a reasonable time.
Because cities and towns often claim “governmental immunity,” these cases can be challenging. That’s why injured individuals should contact an experienced Connecticut slip and fall lawyer at Gould Injury Law to determine who is truly at fault.
The “Natural Accumulation” Rule
One key factor in snow and ice liability cases is whether the hazard resulted from a natural accumulation (like freshly fallen snow) or an unnatural condition caused by human negligence.
Natural Accumulation
If snow or ice forms naturally and hasn’t yet been removed, courts may find no liability unless a reasonable time has passed for the property owner to act.
Unnatural Accumulation
If a property owner’s negligence—such as poor drainage, blocked gutters, or improper plowing—creates or worsens icy conditions, they can be held liable even if the weather was partly to blame.
For example, if a business clears its parking lot but piles snow where it later melts and refreezes on the sidewalk, they’ve contributed to the hazard and may be responsible for any injuries caused by a resulting icy sidewalk.
Who Is Responsible for Snow on Private Property?
For private landowners, tenants, and business owners, the duty to maintain sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots is clear. They must:
- Remove snow and ice in a timely manner.
- Use salt, sand, or de-icer to reduce slipperiness.
- Repair uneven surfaces that trap water or ice.
- Warn visitors about lingering hazards with visible signs.
Failure to follow these steps could be considered negligence if someone slips and sustains injuries. In most cases, insurance companies will try to deny responsibility or shift blame—but with Gould Injury Law, you’ll have aggressive legal advocates on your side.
Common Injuries From Sidewalk Falls
A fall on ice can cause far more than bruises. Victims often face severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and recovery time. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones (especially wrists, hips, and ankles)
- Head injuries or concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) & Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments
- Emotional distress and loss of mobility
Because older adults are particularly vulnerable to slip and fall accidents, these cases often involve long-term care and mounting medical expenses.
What Counts as “Reasonable Time” to Remove Snow?
Connecticut law gives property owners a reasonable time after a storm ends to remove snow and ice. What counts as “reasonable” can vary based on:
- The duration and severity of the storm
- The time of day the snow stopped
- Whether the owner made any attempt to clear or warn of the hazard
For example, if snow ends at midnight, and someone slips at 6:00 a.m. before any removal effort begins, the property owner could be found negligent for not taking prompt action.
When Tenants Are Responsible
In some rental properties, the lease agreement specifies that tenants must perform snow removal. If a tenant fails to comply and someone is injured, the tenant—not the landlord— may bear responsibility.
However, if the landlord retains control over maintenance areas or provides shared services, liability could still rest with the property owner. An attorney can review the lease provisions and determine who had the legal duty to act.
How to Prove Liability in a Snow or Ice Fall
To recover damages in a Connecticut slip and fall case, you must prove that the party responsible—whether a business owner, homeowner, or municipality—failed to exercise reasonable care.
Essential evidence includes:
- Photographs of the icy or snowy condition
- Witness statements confirming the hazard
- Weather reports showing the timing of the storm
- Maintenance records or lack thereof
- Incident reports filed with property management
- Medical records documenting your injury sustained
At Gould Injury Law, we act fast to gather evidence, establish liability, and pursue compensation before critical deadlines expire.
Comparative Negligence and Your Case
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if you were partly responsible—for example, walking while distracted or ignoring visible warnings—your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
However, as long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Compensation Available to Slip and Fall Victims
If you’re hurt on an icy sidewalk, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs related to recovery
When insurance companies delay or deny valid claims, Gould Injury Law steps in to fight for fair compensation—fast.
Contact Gould Injury Law for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured after a slip and fall on a snowy or icy sidewalk, don’t face the aftermath alone. Gould Injury Law has helped countless Connecticut residents hold negligent property owners, business owners, and even municipalities accountable for failing to keep sidewalks safe.
Our legal team will review your case, identify the responsible party, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Call (888) WIN-FAST (888-946-3278) today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We act fast—so you can focus on healing.
