Snow and ice: do you have rights if you fall on a city sidewalk?

A typical winter scene: the sidewalk gleams dangerously, the foot slips, and a clear fall follows. But legally, nothing is ever automatic. Contrary to popular belief, snow and ice do not automatically mean someone is at fault. Everything depends on the specific location, its maintenance, and the circumstances at the time of the incident.

Snow and black ice hitting Paris and Île-de-France: tips to prevent slipping on foot or in your car
Beware of slips and falls with these freezing temperatures and expected snowfall! With such weather, slips are common and can be very painful on foot, and dangerous while driving. Here are some tips to help you stay safe. [Read more]

On a Public Sidewalk (Street, Square, Pavement)

The municipality can be held responsible… but only if negligence is proven. Three conditions must be met simultaneously: a failure to maintain the sidewalk properly, an unmarked abnormal danger, and a direct link between this defect and the fall. The town hall’s liability may be engaged in cases of accumulated ice without any action taken—no salting or warning signs. Conversely, it is not liable if the fall occurs during or immediately after snowfall, if the hazard is visible, if weather conditions are extraordinary, or if some intervention is ongoing or recent. In other words, simply having snow or ice on the ground is never enough by itself to trigger municipal responsibility.

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In front of a building or a shop

What surprises here is the law. Even on public sidewalks, property owners and businesses can be held responsible. Many municipalities, Paris in particular, require snow removal and salting in front of private storefronts. If someone slips and falls in front of a shop on a sidewalk that appears poorly maintained compared to neighboring areas, the merchant or owner’s civil liability could come into question.

And what about the victim?

Their role is also important. Judges evaluate the perceived danger, the worn footwear, walking speed, and route choice. A fall on visible snow often results in shared liability. When it comes to winter-related incidents, the courts assess each case individually.