It is no secret that Pennsylvania has some cold winters. For the most part, the winter season brings outdoor activities like sledding and ice-skating, holiday traditions, and other fun festivities. But, with the cold weather comes snow and ice, resulting in tons of potential injuries. Read on to learn more about snow and ice accidents in Pennsylvania and what you should do in the event of an injury.
What are the Most Common Places for a Snow & Ice Injury to Occur?
A snow and ice accident can occur anywhere there is a slippery surface. That being said, there are some places that are especially hazardous. This includes:
- Sidewalks
- Stairways
- Parking lots
Who is Responsible for a Snow & Ice Accident?
In Pennsylvania, property owners are legally responsible for keeping their properties safe. This applies to homeowners, businesses, stores, and municipal properties. After a snow or rainfall event, property owners have a certain window of time in which they must clean their properties of snow and ice. If a property owner fails to maintain the property, he or she may be held responsible if an accident occurs. For example, if you slip and fall on the sidewalk in front of a home, that homeowner may be responsible for any injuries you incur. This timeframe differs by municipality, so if you are unsure of whether your accident occurred within this time frame, contact our firm.
What Should I do if I am Injured?
- Call 911. If you are injured, you should seek medical attention.
- Take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident. Additionally, obtain the contact information of anyone who witnessed your accident, they may be able to provide witness statements. Collecting this evidence will help you prove that some form of negligence occurred to cause your accident.
- Make sure you file your claim on time. In Pennsylvania, you will generally have two years to file your personal injury claim. This deadline is known as a statute of limitations. If you fail to file within two years, you will likely lose your opportunity to recover compensation.
- Reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney. An experienced and dedicated attorney will work to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one is injured in a snow & ice this Winter, reach out to our firm today to discuss your case.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED PENNSYLVANIA FIRM
We understand that going through the legal system alone can be both confusing and highly stressful. That is why it is our job to help you through every step of the process ahead. For years, we have been helping clients throughout Lancaster County and its surrounding areas through a wide range of legal matters, including personal injury cases, criminal defense matters, family law issues, estate planning law matters, and more. If you need legal assistance, we are here to help. Contact Ilkhanoff & Silverstein today.
