Haliw v. City of Sterling Heights

We granted defendant city of Sterling Heights’ application for leave to appeal in this case to decide the proper application of the “natural accumulation” doctrine to municipal liability. Because we conclude that the natural accumulation of ice or snow on the sidewalk at issue does not give rise to an actionable breach of defendant’s duty, and the claimed depression in the sidewalk was not an independent defect, plaintiff cannot prove the elements required to establish a negligence claim against a governmental agency.1 Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the Court of Appeals, and remand…