Oklahoma Snow Removal Liability for Property Owners

Oklahoma case law generally follows the natural accumulation doctrine, holding that property owners are not liable for slip-and-fall injuries caused by natural ice or snow accumulations unless they have created an unnatural condition or a special relationship exists. The Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act (51 O.S. Sections 151-200) limits municipal liability for snow-related injuries on public sidewalks. Cities may pass ordinances requiring abutting property owners to clear sidewalks, but liability for failure to clear is generally limited unless the city has a specific ordinance creating duty. Commercial property owners face higher standards.

Failure to clear sidewalks under city ordinance is typically a municipal infraction with fines $50 to $500. Civil liability requires proof of unnatural accumulation.