Hurt on Ice in Minneapolis? Build a Strong Claim Now

Minnesota Law and Icy Fall Injuries: The Basics

Falls on ice in Minneapolis are typically handled under Minnesota premises liability law. Property owners and occupiers owe entrants a duty to use reasonable care under the circumstances to keep premises in a reasonably safe condition, which can include addressing dangerous accumulations of snow and ice. Whether a landowner acted reasonably depends on the facts, including what they knew or should have known and what steps they took to mitigate hazards. See Peterson v. Balach, 294 Minn. 161 (1972).

Comparative Fault Can Affect Your Recovery

Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are partly at fault—for example, due to footwear with poor traction or choosing a clearly hazardous route—any award may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and recovery is barred if your fault is greater than the fault of the party or parties from whom you seek damages. See Minn. Stat. § 604.01. Open and obvious conditions can also affect duty and fault allocation, depending on the circumstances. See Louis v. Louis, 636 N.W.2d 314 (Minn. 2001).

Notice: What the Owner Knew or Should Have Known

Liability often turns on whether the owner or occupier created the condition or had actual or constructive notice of it and failed to address it within a reasonable time. Evidence such as weather records, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and snow-removal practices can be critical to proving notice. These concepts align with Minnesota’s duty of reasonable care to entrants. See Peterson v. Balach.

Special Issues for Public Property and Sidewalks

Claims involving public sidewalks, parks, or other public facilities can trigger governmental immunities and special procedural requirements. Minnesota law includes specific statutory immunities and defenses for municipalities, including protections for certain snow-and-ice conditions on highways and public sidewalks. See Minn. Stat. § 466.03. In addition, many municipal claims require prompt notice—sometimes as short as 180 days after discovery of the injury. See Minn. Stat. § 466.05. Act quickly to preserve your rights.

What To Do Immediately After a Fall on Ice

• Get medical care right away and follow your treatment plan.
• Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or appropriate public agency.
• Photograph the scene as soon as possible, including the icy area, lighting, any warning signs, your footwear, and your injuries.
• Preserve physical evidence, including the clothing and shoes you wore.
• Collect witness names and contact information.
• Save records of expenses, missed work, and all medical documentation.
• Avoid recorded statements to insurers before speaking with counsel.

Evidence That Strengthens an Ice-Injury Claim

• Weather data (temperature, precipitation, freeze/thaw cycles) for the hours and days around your fall.
• Snow and ice removal logs, contractor records, and maintenance schedules.
• Video footage from security cameras or nearby businesses.
• Incident reports and prior complaint histories.
• Expert analysis on whether remediation was reasonable under the conditions.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Claim

Insurance and Commercial Properties

Many Minneapolis ice-fall claims involve commercial general liability policies and, in multi-tenant sites, snow-removal contractors. Contract terms can determine who was responsible for inspection and remediation. Early requests for contracts and certificates of insurance help identify potentially responsible parties and available coverage.

Damages You May Recover

Potential damages can include medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and costs for necessary household or mobility assistance. Careful documentation helps support valuation.

Deadlines and Notice Requirements

Deadlines vary based on who is involved (private versus public entities), the nature of the claim, and other factors. For ordinary negligence claims, the general Minnesota limitations period is often six years, but exceptions apply. See Minn. Stat. § 541.05. Some government-related claims require written notice within 180 days. See Minn. Stat. § 466.05. Consult an attorney promptly to avoid missing a deadline.

How a Lawyer Can Help Right Away

• Send preservation (spoliation) letters for surveillance video and maintenance records.
• Coordinate site inspections and weather data collection.
• Identify all responsible parties and insurers.
• Manage communications and negotiate with adjusters.
• Retain appropriate experts (engineering, human factors, meteorology).
• Build a liability narrative that addresses notice and comparative fault.

FAQs

Do I have a claim if the ice was obvious?

Possibly. Minnesota law considers open-and-obvious conditions, but landowners may still owe a duty depending on the circumstances, including foreseeable distractions or lack of reasonable alternatives.

What if I was partly at fault?

Your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If your fault exceeds that of the party or parties you are suing, recovery can be barred.

How fast should I act to preserve evidence?

Immediately. Surveillance footage and ice conditions can change quickly. Send preservation requests and photograph the scene as soon as possible.

Do different rules apply on public sidewalks?

Yes. Municipal immunities and strict notice requirements may apply, and timelines can be short.

What damages are recoverable?

Medical bills, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and related out-of-pocket costs are commonly pursued.

Take the Next Step

If you were hurt on ice in Minneapolis, prompt action can make the difference. Contact our Minnesota premises liability team to review your options, protect evidence, and pursue appropriate compensation.