Winter Safety Tips & Legal Rights in Michigan
Michigan winters are beautiful-but they’re also notorious for snow, ice, and dangerous conditions that lead to countless injuries every year. Whether you’re walking through a slick parking lot, driving on icy roads, or maintaining your own property, it’s important to understand the legal side of winter safety.
If someone fails to take proper precautions and their negligence causes harm, there may be legal consequences. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and responsibilities-and how Harris & Literski can help if something goes wrong.
Slip and Falls: Who’s Legally Responsible?
Under Michigan law, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe, including during the winter months. That means timely snow removal, salting icy walkways, and warning visitors about hazardous conditions.
If you’re injured due to:
Uncleared snow or black ice
Neglected sidewalks or parking lots
Failure to post warning signs near known hazards
...you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. But don’t wait too long-there are deadlines for filing personal injury cases in Michigan.
Auto Accidents: Winter Conditions Don’t Excuse Negligence
Snowy roads may make driving more difficult, but that doesn’t give anyone a free pass for reckless behavior. Drivers are still expected to operate their vehicles safely for the conditions. That includes:
Reducing speed
Increasing following distance
Clearing snow from windows and lights
Using headlights in poor visibility
If you’ve been hit by a driver who failed to adjust to winter weather, you may be entitled to compensation under Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance laws-or possibly beyond that if you suffered serious injury.
Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner or Business Owner
If you own property in Michigan, you have a legal obligation to maintain it during winter. Failing to remove snow or ice in a timely manner can lead to serious liability issues if someone gets hurt. This applies to:
Residential homeowners
Commercial property owners
Landlords
A proactive approach to winter safety isn’t just neighborly-it’s legally smart.
Winter Safety Tips That Could Also Protect You Legally
Salt and shovel regularly (especially after a storm)
Use non-slip mats in entryways
Place warning signs near wet or icy areas
Inspect your roof and gutters for ice dams or falling hazards
Keep walkways and steps clear of snow and debris
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s failure to maintain safe conditions during the winter, don’t assume it was “just an accident.” You may have legal options-but time is of the essence.
The same goes if you’re a property owner being threatened with legal action after a winter-related incident, having strong legal representation can help protect your rights and defend your position.
What You Can Expect from Harris & Literski
Prompt case evaluation to determine if you have a claim
Experienced guidance on liability and insurance disputes
Aggressive advocacy to pursue fair compensation if you’re injured
Trusted defense if you’re facing a lawsuit as a property owner
Stay Safe-and Know Your Rights
Michigan winters bring enough challenges. Don’t let a preventable injury or legal issue make things worse. Whether you’ve been hurt or need help protecting your property rights, Harris & Literski is here to guide you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward protecting yourself this winter.