What should I do if someone slips and falls on ice at my property?
Help the person first, then document the conditions right away: photos of the spot, the time, the weather, and what had been plowed or salted and when. Report it to your insurer and ask your snow contractor for the service log for that storm.
Photos taken the same hour are worth more than any description written later. Include the surrounding area, the lighting and any signage.
The contractor's log shows when crews were on site, which areas were serviced and what was applied. That record is the core of the defense, which is why we send a service report after every event.
Do not speculate about fault in writing. Let your insurer and attorney handle the claim. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Go deeper
More on slip-and-fall, liability & insurance
- How long should I keep snow removal records?
- What should a snow contractor's certificate of insurance show?
- Is an HOA liable for a fall on the public sidewalk outside the community?
- What is New Jersey's ongoing storm rule?
- Does salting during a storm create liability in New Jersey?
- Does hiring a snow contractor move the liability off the property owner?
- Does the ADA require clearing snow from accessible parking spaces?
- Does OSHA require employers to clear snow and ice?
From JRW Services LLC, commercial snow and ice management across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties, NJ. All answers
Need this handled at your property?
Call (973) 459-0074 or send the form, and we will walk the site and put it in writing before the first storm.