Liability Question

[MikeEffective]

My parents live in New York state where, if you didn't hear, there was a lot of snow this past winter season.

Is it really true that if someone slips on the sidewalk outside of your house before you clear the snow or salt the ice you are liable for personal injury? Or is that just a myth?

 

[ecmst12]

A homeowner could be liable for failing to clear snow in a timely fashion. They can be liable even if they DO clear the snow, if someone is injured on their property. That is what homeowners insurance is for.

 

[You Are Guilty]

There is no responsibility to clear snow during a storm. After it ends however, they may be.

Why should a homeowner's laziness mean that a pedestrian gets hurt in a fall?