In the Philadelphia area, September brings with it Eagles football and the promise that winter weather is just around the corner. With winter come dangerous and icy conditions that lead to a rise in injuries from weather related incidents. The most common injuries are sustained by a slip and fall on the ice. Black ice and snow accumulation on walkways and parking lots are two very common causes of personal injuries. Often, the owners of the businesses or properties where the slip and falls occur are responsible for removing the ice and snow to avoid such hazards. However, because generally slippery conditions are a part of the winter season, Pennsylvania has a standard that protects business or property owners when they have not allowed the snow and ice to accumulate unreasonably. This is called the “hills and ridges” doctrine.
First, the icy and snowy conditions have to be caused by a snow fall, or freezing rain. If the conditions are caused by melting and refreezing, or by a defective pipe or leaking water, then the property owner is not protected.
If freezing rain or snow does cause accumulation, property owners are given a reasonable amount of time after discovering that walking surfaces have become dangerous to remove the ice and snow.
If the property owner does not remove the ice and snow from areas where he knows people may travel and it makes travel unreasonably difficult and dangerous, causing an injury from a slip and fall, then the property owner is liable.
If you are in the Philadelphia area, or the surrounding counties, winter is a part of life. But injuries caused by icy and snowy conditions do not have to be if property owners ensure they uphold their responsibilities.
Each slip and fall caused by icy conditions presents its own set of factors to determine if the property owner is liable to the injured person. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a slip and fall on ice, contact GSGB and speak to an attorney for a free consultation and find out what your rights are.
Back To All of our Blog Stories A