Harris v. Sanders

*128LEESON, J.

Plaintiff appeals from a directed verdict for defendants on her claim that defendants were negligent per se,1 because they violated a Dallas city ordinance. The trial court ruled that, as a matter of law, the ordinance does not impose a duty on abutting landowners to remove leaves from sidewalks. We reverse and remand.

Plaintiff seriously injured her ankle when she slipped and fell on a public sidewalk in Dallas. Defendants Sanders own the Blue Garden Restaurant that abuts the sidewalk. Defendants Dreiszus own the commercial property next door that also abuts the sidewalk. Plaintiff…