We have been getting many calls regarding PA Slip & Falls on Ice and Snow…

Feb 20th, 2009 | By Michael L. Saile, Jr., Esq. | Category: Blogs, Pennsylvania Injury Information

A slip and fall injury on ice or snow accumulations in Pennsylvania is a difficult, but winnable personal injury case.

Pennsylvania courts have recognized the fact that due to PA’s location in this hemisphere, ice and snow are frequent and it would be impossible for a property owner to keep his or her property free and clear of ice and snow at all times.

Generally, Pennsylvania property or landowners have a duty to remove snow in a reasonable manner in a reasonable amount of time. So what does that mean?

Of course, the answer is that it depends on the type of property and the people or machinery that will traverse the property. For example, the City of Philadelphia has a law that says a path should be clear on sidewalks within 6 hours of a snowstorm.

If a landowner or snow removal company breaches their legal duty to clear snow and ice, they should be held responsible for a Plaintiff’s personal injuries. A PA landowner will generally not be held negligent for slippery conditions in the area. Pennsylvania has adopted the Hills and Ridges Doctrine.

The Hills and Ridges Doctrine requires a Plaintiff to prove that snow and ice had accumulated on a sidewalk in ridges and elevations as to unreasonably obstruct travel causing a dangerous condition to pedestrians.

The Hills and Ridges Doctrine also requires that the property owner had actual or constructive notice of the snow or ice accumulation and that the snow or ice accumulation caused the Plaintiff’s personal injuries. It is important to note that the Pennsylvania Hills and Ridges Doctrine does not apply to manmade or artificial conditions.

Numerous other legal and factual issues apply to Pennsylvania slip and fall cases involving ice or snow accumulation. Due to the complexities of a snow or ice related PA slip and fall cases, we urge to contact an experienced PA personal injury slip and fall lawyer to a free consultation.