How Weather Conditions Affect Slip and Fall Accidents
Rain, snow, and ice form slip and fall hazards both inside and outside of buildings. A slip and fall lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys will meet with you about your accident to determine if you are entitled to compensation. Here are several ways that weather conditions affect slip and fall accidents:
Form Slippery Surfaces
A slip and fall accident occurs when your foot loses traction on a surface. Rainy, snowy, or icy conditions can make sidewalks, walkways, stairs, and parking lots slippery. Black ice is harder to see as it blends into the sidewalks, making it a hazard. Exercise caution when climbing stairs outside or walking.
Duty of care refers to property owners’ responsibility for those they have invited to the property. Property owners are expected to provide reasonable protection. This includes a store owner removing ice and snow from the parking lots and sidewalks. The Natural Accumulation Rule refers to the amount of time that is reasonable for property owners to remove ice and snow. Factors like property size and length of the storm influence this timeline.
Pennsylvania holds a modified comparative negligence rule. You may be entitled to compensation even if you are partially at fault for falling. The court will determine the percentage you are at fault and modify the damages you receive by this percentage. The responsible parties for a slip and fall accident due to ice and snow may include the property owner or the company hired for snow removal. A slip and fall lawyer at Philly Slip and Fall Guys can examine the evidence of the case to help determine liability.
Hide Uneven Surfaces
Rain or snow can hide damaged or uneven surfaces, such as cracks in the sidewalk, potholes, or debris. These hazards can result in minor injuries, such as bruising, or more significant injuries, such as broken bones or spinal cord damage. Property owners who are close to the sidewalk are responsible for keeping their area of the sidewalk safe.
The City of Philadelphia can also be held at fault, depending on the circumstances. If you believe that the City of Philadelphia could be held responsible for your slip and fall, find a lawyer who is familiar with premises liability. Philly Slip and Fall Guys has obtained compensation for those who have been injured on municipal and state property. We are experienced and knowledgeable in personal injury law.
Create Wet Flooring Conditions
People can track ice and snow into the public areas of a building. This creates wet floors in areas such as the entryway and hallways. Wet floors are a cause of slip and fall accidents, as they form slippery conditions. Property owners are responsible for putting up signs to warn people about wet floors. If you slip on a wet floor:
- Gather evidence: As an accident victim, you have the right to document the scene. Take a photo of the wet floor and pictures of your injuries for evidence. Note the date and time and the weather conditions of the slip and fall. If there are any witnesses to your accident, ask them for their contact information. Surveillance footage may have captured the events that resulted in the slip and fall.
- Seek medical help: Call an ambulance if you have significant injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should pursue medical attention. Untreated injuries may worsen over time, and adrenaline may be masking more severe symptoms. Receiving medical help right away also connects the accident and your injuries. Request a full medical examination and save all related medical records. Keep track of associated expenses, such as medical bills and medication receipts.
- Report the incident: Once you have gathered the information related to the accident, report the incident to the property manager or owner. Ask for a copy of the report. Calling the police at the time of the accident will also provide you with an accident report.
Consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Every state has a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. Philly Slip and Fall Guys will work quickly on your case so you do not miss any deadlines.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today
We will negotiate with insurance companies for you. If the insurers refuse to settle, we will help to defend your case in court. Potential compensation for a slip and fall injury includes lost wages and out-of-pocket medical bills. We work to help you receive the maximum amount of compensation. Our firm has over thirty years of experience, and we help clients throughout Philadelphia County. Our attorneys at Philly Slip and Fall Guys operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay an attorney fee until after the settlement or verdict. Call us or fill out an online form to meet with a slip and fall lawyer for a free consultation.
