Winter Hazards / Slip & Falls

Winter is upon us and slip and fall injury is one of the most frequent claims for mobile home parks and dealers. You must take “reasonable care” of the roadways, public walkways and common areas within your business grounds. I have found that the most frequent accidents occur by the mail boxes, because your residents go there everyday. It is important that you maintain this area, salt for ice and clear away the snow. Also make sure that any gutter downspouts from the building do not drain onto the walkway or driveway as this makes for a black ice exposure from the draining water.

I highly recommend that you keep a plow / shoveling log maintaining the time and date of snow removal, which can provide a defense when a fall occurs. As always, should a fall occur your manager should document the occurrence and notify your insurance agent as soon as possible. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and identify any witnesses to help provide information to the insurance adjuster when contacted.

The plowing log is a simple step to take that can help control your insurance claims.

Please feel free to contact Jim Freyer with any questions or comments.