Question

General Instructions for Discussion Responses to Classmates

Create a new thread for each posting.

Use correct, complete sentences, in paragraph format, unless otherwise instructed.

Use assigned course materials to complete discussion responses.

Use in-text citations and a Reference List in APA format to cite the course resource(s) used - an in-text citation cannot exist without a corresponding Reference List, and a Reference List cannot exist without a corresponding in-text citation.

Post responses here in public discussion forum.

Put the following in the subject line: Discussion + your name.

Address each classmate by name, and sign your name to each posting, please.

Write in depth, comprehensive responses that promote further discussion beyond merely agreeing/disagreeing - refer to the "Winning Discussion Responses" module in Content for examples.

Part 1:  

During a meeting with Winnie, Ralph, the GC owners, and you, the owners asked several questions about their potential liability for negligence. Winnie and Ralph asked you to respond to the following question.  

Could GC be liable to a potential customer injured when she slips and falls on ice directly in front of the entry door while attempting to enter GC public offices during business hours? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Generally, a property owner is not required by law to remove snow or ice that accumulates due to natural weather events. However, if the property’s conditions cause "unnatural accumulation," and they fail to provide adequate precautions or fix the issue, they may be liable for slip and fall accidents that occur on their grounds.

Some types of unnatural accumulation include:

Dripping icicles from a clogged rooftop drain that cause ice patches on the ground.

Snow plowing that makes an area dangerous to navigate.

Sloped concrete that can pool water into slick ice patches.

The Snow and Ice Removal Act

In 1979, Illinois passed the Snow and Ice Removal Act, which states:

“Any owner, lessor, occupant or other person in charge of any residential property, or any agent of or other person engaged by any such party, who removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts or omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton.”

This provision essentially protects property owners as long as they attempt snow and ice removal in good faith. However, they can be found liable if negligence occurred—e.g., the attempted removal resulted in unnatural accumulation.