Winter Weather Poses Danger for Slip and Fall Injuries

The winter season and colder temperatures are fast approaching.  The harsher weather brings ice and snow and the greater potential for slip and fall accidents.   Sometimes, these accidents are simply just an unfortunate mishap that will not result in an injury.  However, often times a slip and fall accident occurs as a result of negligence of a property owner and serious injuries occur.

A Variety of Winter Weather Conditions can Cause Slip and Fall Accidents

The winter season brings with it various hazardous weather conditions that are sometimes difficult or treacherous to navigate, including freezing rain, sleet, ice, packed snow, and snow covered ice.  Sidewalks, driveways, steps, handrails and parking lots are just a few of the more common surfaces where these dangerous conditions can exist; however, it is important to know that slip and fall accidents from winter weather do not always occur outside.  When snow and ice are tracked indoors, slippery conditions are created when the winter mixtures melt and create puddles.  Mats that are used outside and inside can help minimize this risk, but need to be properly maintained during the winter months.  Even ice or icicles that accumulate on buildings can pose a substantial risk to pedestrians.

Slip and fall accidents can cause a myriad of injuries ranging from mild to severe including bruising, lacerations, sprains, neck injuries, broken bones, head injuries and back injuries.  These injuries have the potential to cause significant pain and suffering as well as permanent disabilities that can require a lifetime of medical care and expenses. In extreme cases, death may also be the outcome.

Premises Liability Laws:  Property or Business Owners may be Liable for Negligent Ice or Snow Removal

Premises liability laws generally indicate that home and business owners are responsible for keeping their properties safe by keeping them free of serious hazards. The law allows victims to pursue legal action to recover compensation after they have been injured on another person’s property if negligence on the part of the property owner can be proven.  However, the laws for snow and ice removal vary from state to state, and even townships and municipalities have ordinances that dictate laws regarding snow and ice removal for sidewalks and other public areas.

The laws for snow and ice removal in Pennsylvania are quite complicated.  Understanding and applying the different levels of liability and attempting to prove liability to a specific situation can be complex and confusing. Consulting with an experienced slip and fall attorney who can assist in determine a property or business owner’s liability is necessary.

Galfand Berger:  Experienced Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers for Slip & Fall Matters

The Philadelphia premises liability attorneys at the law office of Galfand Berger have been successfully pursuing slip and fall accident claims for over six decades.  If you have been the victim of a slip and fall accident, first and foremost you need to make sure you get the medical attention you need.  If you believe that your accident and injuries may be the result of the property owner’s negligence, you should seek legal advice and representation from a qualified personal injury lawyer who has extensive experience in handling all types of slip and fall accident lawsuits.  Our dedicated lawyers will investigate the circumstances of your skip and fall accident and help you to seek the fair and just compensation that you deserve for your personal injuries.  We serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia, Allentown and Harrisburg areas, as well as South Jersey such as Camden and Burlington Counties.  Call Galfand Berger today at 1-800-222-USWA (8792) to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled personal injury attorneys or submit an online inquiry form.