Massachusetts Snow Removal Law

December 22, 2010||inPersonal Insurance|homeowners insurance, personal insurance, snow removal

Court ruling changes snow removal law…increases property owner liability risk

When it snows, it’s now more important than ever to shovel snow early and keep slippery areas treated. The legal rules governing snow and ice removal have changed and increased potential liability for residential and commercial property owners.

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In, 2010, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that all landowners must clear their property of any snow or ice that could cause injury to others. It no longer matters if the snow/ice is deposited naturally or artificially by a plow or other source. If you don’t clear your property and keep it clear, you risk a lawsuit if someone slips or falls.

This change will most likely result in more lawsuits in coming years. Is newly fallen snow a dangerous condition? Do you have to arrange for snow removal if you’re away? Jury decisions will make this clearer as they decide if a property owner acted as “reasonable person” in taking steps to prevent injury to others. Yet another reason to make sure you have adequate liability coverage. Contact us for information.

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