Black ice is a menace come winter– it accounts for car accidents, slips, trips, and falls. What many homeowners don’t know is that they are liable for any accidents involving black ice that occur on their property, so it is important to take preventative measures to avoid costly situations. If you are aware of black ice on your property, it is your responsiblity to clean it up as soon as possible.
“Slip and fall” lawsuits are very common, and are usually settled in court for up to $5,000. For some, insurance will cover some of this cost, but it is important not to rely on your insurance unless you are positive it will cover the costs.
For renters, there are some distinctions for who is responsible. In a single unit rental property, the renter is responsible for clearing up problems (unless otherwise stated in the contract); for multiple rental properties, the landlord is usually responsible.
To prevent injury on black ice, make sure to salt or sand your sidewalks if the temperature drops below freezing.