Counsel Corner

If Winter Comes, Shoveling Can't Be Far Behind

Massachusetts law requires property owners to remove hazards -- including snow.

For those of us that vividly recall the massive sheet of hardened snow that blanketed our lawns and public spaces for almost four months last year, the winter of 2011-12 has been a reminder of how fickle New England weather can be. It is Jan. 3, and still we have not had anything resembling a major snowstorm all winter. Area golf courses are open. Joggers are on the streets preparing for this April's Boston Marathon. This past Sunday, New England Patriots fans tailgated before and after the game in shirt sleeves. Of course, we will get a snowstorm eventually, and when it comes, it will behoove us all to remember that in Massachusetts, a property owner owes the public a duty to exercise reasonable care in removing snow and ice from stairs …

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