City Of St Cloud To Increase Enforcement On Snow Removal

Through the use of a pilot program, the St Cloud City Council has increased the enforcement of snow removal on neighborhood sidewalks. St. Cloud’s ordinance requires sidewalks to be “free of ice and snow” 24 hours after a snowstorm or after blowing wind had died down. City plow drivers have been told to report sidewalks that don’t comply with the law. Owners of at least 317 residential properties across St. Cloud have been billed roughly $67 each for failing to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of a snowstorm.

These actions have met mixed results with many of those fined complaining about the irregular enforcement and lack of clear standards, to many others who are happy to see cleared sidewalks and actions being taken when they aren’t. There have also been discussions of the fine amount, with the intent of it being high enough to give an incentive to people to get the work done for a lesser price.

Concerning falls, there are small steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family:

• Take your time. Rushing will often lead to falls, especially if the weather is bad or if the space is not properly lit or cared for.
• Step out of your car instead of jump. If a car is involved, look into whether No Fault Auto Insurance is available to cover any resulting medical bills.
• Be extra careful on stairs and in unfamiliar places.
• The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety suggests that choosing the proper footwear is extremely important to safety. Be sure to wear the proper footwear especially in bad weather.
• The Mayo Clinic recommends that you use assisting devices when present. Hold on to handrails on both sides of the stairwell.

If you or a loved one has been hurt because of a property owner’s negligence, there are steps you can take to help your injury attorney file your claim more effectively.

First, get all the information you can at the scene of the accident. This includes contact information for all witnesses, the property owner’s address, contact info, insurance material, and take photographs of the accident scene if possible.

Second, seek medical attention. Make sure you receive a thorough examination and tell the doctor about injuries.

Third, contact a respected Minnesota personal injury law firm.