[PREVIOUS STORY: City says snow-covered sidewalks not its problem]



With injuries treated this season only getting worse, Blackburn cited untreated sidewalks as a contributing factor.



"The orthopedists are seeing a lot of hip fractures, even some spine fractures and unfortunately even some head injuries with slips and falls on this icy ground," said Blackburn.



Under Louisville ordinance, property owners are supposed to clear snow from sidewalks on their property within 24 hours after the end of a snow event. With many sidewalks still snow and ice covered throughout the metro, city officials urged it's time to clean up or prepare to pay up.



"We give that property owner 24 hours to clear the sidewalk and if it still isn't clear then there's a fine," said Metro Department of Public Works spokesperson Harold Adams.



That fine could cost the non-compliant anywhere from $25 to $100, but only under one condition.



"We're not out looking for sidewalks that aren't cleared. However, if we get reports for a particular location then we go and inspect that," said Adams. "I'm not aware of any having been issued."



It's that caveat that Speirer Ace Hardware manager Richard Prario worries may have others skating over the responsibly.



"We keep our sidewalk clean. Never will you see our sidewalk dirty," said Prario. "I get on people when I see it and I say, 'you know, it's in front of your business, you've got to clear it.'"



Prario said failing to do so could quickly lead to more than just a city citation for business and homeowners alike.



"They could sue you," said Prario. "You are liable. There's no other way around it."



"It really is a safety issue," said Adams. "People who have to pass through there, they have to make a decision between that hazard of in fact on a snowy and/or icy surface or walking in the street where they face dangers from traffic."



If stuck with either scenario, Blackburn has some advice.



"When it's messy outside, get out the hiking boots," said Blackburn. "There are even some after market devices you can put on the bottom of your shoes that have fairly aggressive treads, even little metal spikes that can help you engage the surface a little better. Walking with your hands out of your pockets so that in the event you do fall at least your hands catch you before your face hits the ground which is a disaster."