Jeffrey Hohrein

Are you in the market for a new car.

If so next weekend the place for you is the Motor Trend International Car Show.

The show is being held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

For additional details and tickets please go to www.AutoShowBaltimore.com

I hope to see you there.

Jeff

2009 Winter Weather Advisory

What could be more unpredictable than the weather? How about your legal obligation if someone sues you for being injured on YOUR property?

You have taken all precautionary measures to clear your sidewalks of snow and ice. You have even posted a sign stating, "Slippery walkways, use caution". The special fast acting salt that usually cracks your concrete has been generously spread about your porch and steps. You smile knowing that, unless a neighbor tossed over a banana peel, your walkways are safe enough for a one year old just learning to how to prance. Are you liable if a person slips and injures themselves after you took the time to be a responsible citizen?

Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Snow or Ice

Most states follow the Natural Accumulation Rule in which case (believe it or not) a property owner has no duty to remove or warn others of the natural accumulation of snow or ice. The rationale for this rule is that the snow is obvious and that the property owner has the right to expect folks will see it and be careful.

HOWEVER......remember this is LIABILITY LAW, full of exceptions.... If a property owner knows that the snow and/or ice might cause a more dangerous condition than what most would expect, they could be considered negligent and liable.

In addition, there is the Unnatural Accumulation of snow and ice whereby the landowner has added to the natural danger by shoveling it into a pile. The snow melts and drips forming a hazardous pond of water which refreezes. Considered an act by a person not by nature, unnatural accumulation is an argument that may be used against the property owner.

In states that do not follow the natural accumulation rule, the landowner must take certain steps to lessen the dangers including removing the snow or ice within a "reasonable time". There is no legal definition of "reasonable time"! Therefore, the state must determine the landowner's amount of legal liability on a case by case basis. Yes, your liability as a property owner may be more unpredictable than the weather!

I am not a lawyer if you have specific law questions please contact an attorney.

Good Day Ladies and Gentleman,

My name is a Jeffrey Hohrein (please call me Jeff), I am a Realtor with Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc and work out of the Elkridge Sales Office. I have been a Realtor for almost a year and I am constantly learning every day.

I also own a Landscaping company which I started 5 years ago.

Prior to becoming a Realtor I worked as in the auto industry for a time. Some of the things I did there include towing and recovery, and I also work for several dealerships in both sales and service departments.

I have also worked as a critical care team member.

I am a graduate from Cardinal Gibbons, Class of 2003. My college experience is limited to Fire and Emergency Services.

I currently have seven years with the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department, where I currently serve as a Rescue Lt. and Swift Water Team Leader. Last year, I was pre-deployed to LA in preperation for Huricane Gustuv.

That's just a little information about me to break the ice.

How about you?