Michigan winters are long, harsh, and unpredictable. From December through April, residents across Oakland County and Metro Detroit navigate sidewalks covered in snow, sleet, and dangerous patches of black ice. With temperatures constantly shifting, surfaces freeze and refreeze—creating hazardous walking conditions that lead to thousands of slip-and-fall injuries every year.

Emergency rooms across Michigan see a surge in winter-related accidents during snowy months. Victims often suffer broken bones, torn ligaments, and even traumatic brain injuries—harm that can change the course of a person’s life. Yet determining who is responsible for a dangerous sidewalk is often far more complicated than it looks.

Sidewalk liability in Michigan is governed by a mix of local ordinances, state laws, and court rulings, which differ from one city to another. Many people assume the city is always responsible—but in many cases, the burden falls on the homeowner, the business, or the property manager.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we help injury victims understand their rights when snow and ice are involved. With over 50 years of combined experience, our firm has deep roots in the community and a proven record of advocating for clients throughout Michigan’s toughest winters. We are a client-first law firm that leads with integrity, clear communication, and a commitment to treating each client like family.

Who Is Responsible for Sidewalk Snow Removal in Michigan?

Property Owners

In many Michigan cities, homeowners and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalks adjacent to their property.

Most local ordinances require:

• Snow to be removed within a specific timeframe
• Ice to be salted or treated with traction material
• Walkways to be kept reasonably safe for pedestrians

Failure to comply can lead to municipal fines—and in some cases, civil liability when someone gets hurt.

Municipalities (Cities, Townships, Counties)

Some sidewalks are the responsibility of the city or township, not the homeowner. This often includes:

• Sidewalks in front of public buildings
• City-maintained walkways
• Certain commercial districts

However, suing a municipality in Michigan can be challenging due to governmental immunity laws. While cities are generally protected from lawsuits, there are important exceptions—especially when a sidewalk is defective, poorly maintained, or dangerously designed.

Landlords & Property Managers

Sidewalks around:

• Apartment complexes
• Rental homes
• Commercial properties
• Shopping centers

are typically the responsibility of the landlord or property management company.

They may be held liable when they:

• Fail to follow snow removal contracts
• Neglect known hazards
• Ignore tenant complaints
• Violate local snow removal laws

These cases often involve multiple parties—and multiple insurance companies—making experienced legal representation essential.

Business Owners

Businesses in Michigan have a legal duty to keep their premises—including sidewalks leading to their entrances—reasonably safe for customers.

This includes:

• Clearing snow and ice
• Salting slippery walkways
• Addressing melt-and-freeze cycles
• Ensuring parking lot walkways are safe

When a business neglects winter maintenance and someone falls, the business may be held responsible for the injuries.

Michigan’s “Natural Accumulation” & “Open and Obvious” Rules

What “Natural Accumulation” Means

For decades, Michigan allowed property owners to avoid liability by claiming that the snow or ice was a “natural accumulation.”

This meant:

• If the snow/ice formed naturally from weather
• And the property owner didn’t create the hazard

…they often could not be held responsible.

This rule made it extremely difficult for slip-and-fall victims to win cases—even when the sidewalk was dangerously icy or neglected.

Changes in Michigan Law After 2023 Supreme Court Decisions

In 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court issued landmark rulings that weakened or eliminated key protections for property owners.

Most importantly:

• The “open and obvious” doctrine can no longer automatically bar an injury claim.
• Property owners must now act reasonably—even when the hazard is visible.
• More cases can now proceed to trial or settlement.

This shift is a major victory for pedestrians who were previously denied compensation simply because the hazard “could” have been seen.

Under the new legal standard, the focus is on whether the property owner acted responsibly, not whether the injured person should have been more cautious.

When Snow/Ice Is Not Considered “Open and Obvious”

Even before these changes, many conditions were not considered open and obvious. Today, these arguments are even stronger.

Examples include:

Poor Visibility

Snowstorms, blowing snow, and low light make hazards impossible to see.

Hidden Black Ice

Transparent ice that forms overnight or after melting snow refreezes.

Snow Covering Hazards

Snow may hide deep cracks, holes, uneven pavement, or ice patches.

Inadequate Lighting or Signage

When a property owner fails to light a walkway properly, the hazard cannot be avoided.

What to Do After a Sidewalk Slip-and-Fall in Michigan

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Even if injuries seem minor, symptoms such as head trauma, fractures, and ligament tears may appear later. Medical records also serve as vital documentation.

Take Photos of the Ice/Snow Conditions

Winter hazards can disappear quickly.
Photograph:

• The ice or snow
• Nearby buildings
• Lighting conditions
• Snow piles
• Footprints
• Any defect in the sidewalk

Report the Incident (Business, City, or Owner)

If the fall occurred:

• Outside a business → notify the manager
• In a residential area → contact the homeowner or landlord
• On municipal property → notify the city

Collect Witness Information

Anyone who saw your fall—or saw the icy condition beforehand—can be extremely helpful.
Get names, phone numbers, and brief statements if possible.

Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance adjusters may pressure you to:

• Downplay your injuries
• Admit fault
• Provide a recorded statement
• Accept a lowball settlement

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick for Guidance

We will advise you on next steps, gather evidence, preserve critical documentation, and handle all communication with insurance carriers. From day one, you’ll have a full team standing with you.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Medical Expenses

Covers emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and any ongoing treatment.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to reimbursement for wages, salary, or reduced earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

This includes:

• Physical pain
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Long-term permanent injuries

Future Medical Costs

Severe injuries can require long-term or lifetime care, including:

• Rehabilitation
• Mobility devices
• Pain management
• Follow-up surgeries

Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

Slip-and-fall accidents on ice often cause serious injuries such as:

• Permanent scarring
• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Long-term disability

Wrongful Death (if applicable)

If a loved one dies due to a hazardous snow or ice condition, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support
• Emotional damages

How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Build a Strong Snow/Ice Case

Snow and ice cases in Michigan require careful investigation and strategic legal work. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we bring decades of experience and a team-oriented approach to every case. When you work with us, you get more than a lawyer—you get the full strength of an entire firm standing behind you.

Thorough Investigation

Proving liability in a winter slip-and-fall case requires detailed evidence. Our team moves quickly to secure critical information before it disappears.

We gather and analyze:

Weather Reports

To show temperature changes, snow accumulation, and refreeze patterns.

Surveillance Footage

From businesses, homes, parking lots, or street cameras.

Maintenance Logs

To determine if and when snow removal was attempted.

City Ordinance Records

To show whether the property owner violated local snow removal rules.

Witness Statements

From people who saw the fall or observed the icy conditions beforehand.

Working With Medical Experts

Your injuries are central to your claim. We partner with:

• Orthopedic specialists
• Neurologists
• Physical therapists
• Rehabilitation experts
• Long-term care planners

These professionals help us document the full extent of your injuries, your future medical needs, and how the accident has impacted your life.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize snow/ice cases, but LSM knows their tactics. We handle all communication to protect you from:

• Lowball settlement offers
• Misleading questions
• Attempts to blame you for your fall
• Delays in payment or medical coverage

Preparing for Trial When Necessary

While many cases settle, some need to be fought in the courtroom. LSM is known for:

• Strong courtroom presence
• Thorough legal preparation
• Integrity-driven advocacy
• Clear, compelling presentation of evidence

We prepare every case as if it may go to trial—because preparation leads to better outcomes, whether in settlement negotiations or in front of a jury.

Your Rights Matter. Your Safety Matters.

Michigan winters are unpredictable, unforgiving, and often dangerous. But while snow and ice are part of life here, you should never have to suffer because a property owner, landlord, business, or municipality failed to keep a sidewalk safe. When someone’s negligence leads to your injury, you deserve accountability—and you deserve answers.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we stand with injured pedestrians across Michigan. With over 50 years of combined experience, deep ties to the Berkley and Oakland County communities, and a reputation built on honor, integrity, and compassion, our firm is committed to putting your rights first. We take the time to listen, investigate, and advocate for you—because your recovery matters, and your safety matters.

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Today

📍 2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072
📞 248-584-1300 📞 Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)
📠 248-584-1323

‍