How to Avoid Bird-Related Slip and Fall Lawsuits This Summer

Why Bird Droppings Are a Serious Liability for Commercial Properties

Bird droppings on walkways, stairs, and entry points pose a serious slip and fall hazard, especially during the summer months when foot traffic increases. For risk management and compliance teams, failing to prevent these accidents can result in lawsuits, insurance claims, and OSHA or ADA violations.

In this guide, you’ll learn how bird control systems help prevent injuries, reduce legal exposure, and protect your business from costly claims.

What Makes Bird Droppings a Slip and Fall Risk?

Birds often roost or nest on ledges, signs, and rooftops, where droppings accumulate directly below. These droppings create a slippery surface, especially on:

Parking garage covered in bird dropping

• Commercial entrances and exits

• Sidewalks and pedestrian paths

• Outdoor seating areas

• Loading docks and service zones

Even a small amount of buildup can cause serious injuries. In one high-profile case, Shelton Stewart sued the NYC Transit Authority after slipping on pigeon droppings at a Bronx subway station. The court found the transit authority 80% liable and awarded Stewart over $5.6 million in damages.

Legal Consequences of Bird-Related Accidents

Businesses may be held responsible for slip and fall injuries caused by bird droppings under several legal theories:

• Premises liability: Failure to maintain safe walkways

• Negligence: Lack of regular inspections or cleanup

• Regulatory violations: Non-compliance with ADA or OSHA standards

• Insurance exposure: Higher premiums or denied claims

When recurring hazards like bird droppings are ignored, courts may consider it evidence of negligence.

Why Slip and Fall Risks Increase in the Summer

Summer brings a sharp rise in both human activity and bird presence around commercial properties. Factors that elevate the risk include:

• Increased tourism and public events

• Birds nesting or roosting more actively

• Expanded outdoor use (seating, walkways, retail displays)

• Longer daylight hours with extended exposure time

These seasonal conditions make proactive bird deterrent systems more important than ever.

How to Prevent Bird-Related Slip and Fall Claims

Preventing slip and fall lawsuits starts with a tailored, site-specific bird control plan. Here’s how your business can reduce risk:

1. Conduct a Site Risk Assessment

   Identify where birds are landing, nesting, or roosting. Prioritize high-traffic areas like entrances, steps, ramps, and docks.

2. Install Bird Exclusion Solutions

   AviAway uses a combination of physical and visual deterrents, including:

   • Bird netting for overhead coverage

   • Grid wire systems for rooftops and open areas

   • AviAngle barriers to eliminate perching on ledges

   • Spikes, reflectors, and deterrent gel for tight spaces

3. Clean and Document Regularly

   While cleaning is essential, it’s not a long-term solution on its own. All actions; inspections, cleanings, and installations should be logged and documented to show due diligence in case of a claim.

   
   

Why Risk Managers Trust AviAway for Bird Control

At AviAway, we provide commercial bird control services in all 50 states, with a focus on compliance-driven solutions for high-liability environments. We offer:

• Species-specific bird control plans based on local patterns

• Nationwide service coverage with fast response times

• Detailed reporting and documentation for legal protection

• Long-term solutions trusted by facility managers, insurers, and legal teams

  
  

Bird Control Is a Legal Strategy

Slip and fall lawsuits caused by bird droppings are real and they’re expensive. A proactive bird control system isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about liability reduction, regulatory compliance, and financial protection.

Schedule a free liability risk review with us today to identify potential hazards and implement a strategy that keeps your property safe, clean, and lawsuit-free.