Ice and snow accumulation in parking lots is common during Ohio’s cold months, leading to frequent slips and falls. Generally, slipping and falling on natural ice and snow does not create a recoverable claim in Ohio.
However, some Ohio courts recognize exceptions when snow melts and refreezes due to artificial sloping conditions. For instance, in Stinson v. Ohio Clinic Foundation, the court ruled that snow plowed onto a sloping hillside, which thaws and refreezes, can create liability when someone slips on the resulting ice. In contrast, other courts have found no liability when someone slips due to runoff from a typical snow pile in a parking lot.
Recovering a claim after a fall in a parking lot can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Contact us to discuss your case.