We’re in the midst of a brutal winter, one that has brought a lot of snow and an unending barrage of freezing temperatures. This has led to some very slick conditions all across the Northeast, and especially in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Homeowners are dealing with icy driveways, snowy walkways, and icy runoff that can create even more issues for their premises.
It is during the winter when premises liability cases, and particularly slip and fall cases, become noticeable and prominent. These cases are often overlooked though, and some people may think that they don’t have a case against a building owner or property manager after they have slipped, fallen, and suffered an injury.
To the contrary, your case deserves a full investigation and your rights deserve to be upheld. Slip and falls are very serious matters, and people can suffer horrible injuries as a result. Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, terrible strains, and permanent harm can be done when someone slips and falls on icy or snowy walkways.
It is important to note that, in general, property owners aren’t responsible for snow accumulation outside of their premises. But they are responsible if unnatural accumulation occurs, or if the property plays a role in that accumulation. This can happen if snow runoff from the roof causes icy conditions outside the building. Also, if they provide snow or ice removal services, they can’t do so in a negligent way.
Source: FindLaw, “Conditions Leading to Outdoor Slip and Fall Accidents,” Accessed Jan. 17, 2018
