Nashville Business Owners Liable for Sidewalk Slip and Falls
This year has been an icy one for Nashville, and business owners around the city have worked hard to keep the sidewalks clear in front of their businesses for pedestrians and tourists. This is not just a nicety for potential customers coming to the store; Nashville city code dictates that business owners are responsible for keeping that area safe.
According to the city code, “all sidewalks shall be kept free from ice or snow; provided, however, that tightly adhering ice may be sprinkled with sawdust, ashes or sand, so as to make the uses of the sidewalk by pedestrians safe.” As a result, if a person slips and falls in front of a business because the sidewalk is not clear, then the business owner can be held liable for their injuries.
This law does not just apply to the wintertime in Nashville, and it requires that the sidewalks remain clear year-round. As the weather continues to get warmer and improve, businesses must continue to keep the sidewalks clear of any hazardous materials that could injure pedestrians or customers.
Standard of Reasonableness
In regards to slip and falls or other instances of premises liability, usually the business owner is held to a standard of reasonableness. In the case of the icy sidewalks this winter, if the owner had notice that a storm was coming or had just occurred then a duty exists to clear the sidewalk of icy or snowy hazards. Conversely, if a person is running fast down the sidewalk while the walkway is icy, then they could be held partially liable for their own injuries.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Slip and fall cases are the most common and well known type of premises liability case. However, it is not the only way that a person can be injured on the property of another individual or business property. Property-related injuries can happen in a variety of way, and other types of premises liability cases include:
- Negligent maintenance;
- Broken handrails;
- Poor lighting;
- Failed security;
- Assaults;
…and other incidents that can arise on other premises that leads to injury or death.
Compensation for Premises Liability Cases
Damages for injuries sustained in a premises liability case include both the current injuries and any future expenses that may be incurred because of the accident. Compensation for premises liability cases can include present and future medical expenses, lost wages, impaired earning ability or disability, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, wrongful death, funeral costs, and other damages that are reasonably related to the injuries sustained in the premises liability accident.
Call a Nashville Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or someone that you know has been injured on the property of another person or business in the Nashville area, let the experienced premises liability lawyers at Calhoun Law, PLC help. Call the office or contact us today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.