Dangers Of Melting Ice And Snow In Philly
A Host Of Problems
Winter arrived about a month ago and with the arrival of winter also comes the arrival of extremely cold harsh temperatures, snow and ice. The dangers of melting ice and snow in Philly are many, but this becomes a particularly dangerous problem when individuals are caught off guard due to fluctuating temperatures and weather patterns, as well as with the infamous “black ice.”
For example, you have a blizzard one week and then the next week temperatures rise to nearly 60 degrees, which then melts all of the remainder of the snow from last week’s blizzard. The next day, the temperatures drastically drop again down into single digits and all of the snow that melted yesterday into puddles of spring-like water has now turned into a dangerous sheet of ice.
This becomes a danger to motorists and pedestrians alike. When attempting to operate a motor vehicle or take a walk after a deep freeze following a snow melt, you are literally taking your life into your own hands and are susceptible to serious injury. Serious injuries from falls due to snow and ice can or may include bone fractures, injury to the spinal cord, traumatic brain injuries, etc. Sidewalks, walkways, driveways and roads are dangerous during this time.
What makes matters worse is the fact that most rock salt’s typically used on the roadways, driveways and sidewalks lose their effectiveness once the temperature drops below 10 degrees. However, regardless, it is the responsibility of your town or city, business owners, and homeowners to prevent injury to others by keeping their property’s reasonably safe. This includes frequently rock salting icy roadways, sidewalks, parking-lots and driveways.
Other possible dangers due to melting snow and ice may include from melting ice on the rooftops of homes, businesses or automobiles. There have been many cases involving injury and/or motor vehicle damage due to melting ice and snow that falls from rooftops. If these areas are not properly maintained to prevent a slip and fall, or any other type of injury or property damage, and an injury occurs due to negligence, the victim may be eligible for compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering.
Snow and Ice Injury Cases
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2000 edition of “The Costs of Fall Injuries Among Older Adults,” falls were the primary cause of more fractures, brain injuries and open wounds when compared to other causes. Hospital stays for persons over the age of 65 has increased steadily since 1988 from 230,000 to 340,000 in 1996. That number is expected to not only rise, but to exceed a startling 500,000 by the year 2040 with costs to insurers estimated in the triple digit billions. Sadly, the most common injury to unsuspecting victims often occurs due to the unseen ice – black ice.
What to Do if You Have Been Injured Due to Snow and Ice in Philly
If you’ve been injured after a slip and fall on ice or melting snow, then you should first seek medical treatment right away. After a slip and fall accident, it’s also important to keep documentation with photographs of any injuries, as well as the site of the accident itself too. And it’s best to take these pictures as soon as possible following an accident. If you’re unable to take these pictures yourself, as a friend or family member to help you out.
You’ll also want to contact a professional and experienced slip and fall accident attorney in Philly. Philly Slip and Fall Guys has been settling accident cases for victims of slips and falls due to the negligence of others for over 30 years. If you’ve been injured after a fall due to melting snow or ice, then contact Philly Slip and Fall Guys today to find out if you have a case and if you can be compensated for your injuries, pain and suffering.