It is an aspect of winter in Philadelphia that few people — if any — look forward to: shoveling snow and scraping ice from sidewalks, driveways and other walkways.
While most people accept this unpleasant part of winter and do their legal duty by keeping sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice, other people do not. When they fail to properly maintain their property and injury results, they may be liable for the pain, suffering, disability and expenses that victims incur for their injuries. A qualified lawyer can make all the difference in these types of cases.
Slips, Trips And Falls Attorney In Philadelphia
Our Law Firm represents people injured in slip, trip and fall accidents caused by negligent maintenance of pedestrian walkways and common areas.
Icy and snowy conditions are among the leading causes of slip-and-fall accidents.
When we look at winter slip-and-fall accidents, we’re almost always dealing with the answer to a serious question: Could the accident have been foreseen and the injury prevented? More often than not, this involves an assessment of whether the property owner had a specific duty to the injured person to confirm to a standard of care and, if so, whether that duty was carried out.
Most cities and townships in Philadelphia have ordinances requiring individual and business property owners to clear snow and ice from sidewalks to allow pedestrians to safely pass. Property owners generally have a responsibility to keep sidewalks, steps/stairs, walkways and parking lots clear of ice and snow that might cause a pedestrian to be injured in a fall. This duty is greater for commercial properties. Most property owners are expected to shovel or plow snow and to apply salt or sand to icy conditions. Failure to do so may constitute negligence.
Once we have determined there is a duty, we must also gather the facts that will establish liability for your injuries. In general, establishing liability requires a finding that the owner of the property is responsible for your injury either because the owner took the wrong type of action or failed to take any action, and that allowed a dangerous condition to exist.
Establishing that the property owner may be liable does not end the story. The defendants will look at your conduct, or behavior, to determine whether you were acting in a reasonable manner. For instance:
- Were your reasons for being on the premises legitimate?
- Were you behaving in a reasonably safe manner and paying attention?
- Were you doing everything possible to see and avoid the snow and ice?
The law in Philadelphia looks at the duties and responsibilities of both parties — you and the premises owner. Only if your liability is determined to be greater than the property owner will you be unable to recover.
People who slip, fall and injure themselves on snow that was not properly removed from privately owned property may be able to collect compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Our attorneys has handled slip-and-fall claims involving ice and snow for a quarter-century. He is experienced in negotiating aggressively with insurance companies for fair settlements and, if necessary, taking negligent parties to court and obtaining compensation through jury trials.
Slip-and-fall claims are complicated and early investigation is crucial to their successful development. Delay can result in the loss of evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage and other types of evidence that can strengthen your case and help obtain compensation.
Lear more about Slip and Fall Injuries Lawyers in Philadelphia.
We Can Help You Get Fair Compensation For Your Injuries. Contact Us Now.
Call our office at (215) 298-9143 or send an email to speak with experienced attorney about your or your loved one’s case in a free consultation.
