Slip and Fall: Ice and Snow

Ice and snow on sidewalks and roads may cause all kinds of accidents and injuries. In the event of a mishap, search for a reliable slip and fall lawyer to help answer questions about your case and verify that you receive fair compensation. The trip and fall lawyers at Philly Slip and Fall Guys are qualified professionals who will help you obtain payment for your injuries.

What Does “Duty of Care” Mean for Property Owners?

Duty of care refers to the responsibility that a property owner has to those who have been invited onto their property. People who are invited onto a property are either invitees or licensees. Invitees and licensees have a legal right to be on a property owned by someone else. The invitation may be made formally, informally, or implied. An implied invitation is the ability for anyone to go to a public place, such as a grocery store or the mall. Trespassers are not invited onto a property.

Property owners are required to do everything that is reasonably within their power to verify that others on their property are protected from injury. Reasonable protection will vary from property to property. It is not reasonable to expect a farm owner to remove 200 acres of snow and ice from their land. It is reasonable that a store owner remove snow and ice from the parking lot and sidewalks on their property.

Can I File a Lawsuit if I Fell on Snow or Ice?

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. The parties responsible may include the property owner or the company the property owner hired to remove the snow and ice.

What Is the “Natural Accumulation” Rule?

The Natural Accumulation rule deals with the amount of time that is reasonable for a property owner to remove the snow and ice from their property. No one can control the weather, and it is unreasonable to expect that everyone who owns property will be outside during the entire length of a snowstorm, keeping their sidewalks and driveways clear. The amount of time that is reasonable will vary depending on how long the storm lasted, the size of the property, and other factors.

Can I File if the Property Owner Says I’m at Fault Too?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially responsible for your fall, it may be possible for you to recover compensation for your injuries. The court will determine how much of the accident you were responsible for and assign a percentage to represent that fault. If any damages are awarded, the amount given will be adjusted by this percentage.

Isn’t My Health Insurance Enough?

Even if you have the best health insurance coverage available, there are still out-of-pocket expenses that will quickly add up. Health insurance also will not cover your lost wages or pain and suffering. You deserve to be completely compensated for the injuries you have suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get?

Any compensation you receive will be awarded in a monetary form called “damages.” Damages may provide a plaintiff with repayment for:

Medical Bills

It doesn’t take much for multiple serious injuries to result in large medical bills. These unexpected expenses can leave the victim in financial trouble, all due to an accident that wasn’t their fault. A reputable slip and fall lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies to verify that they provide a fair reimbursement for your medical bills

Lost Earnings

Most jobs require the employee to be physically fit and whole. If an injury is serious enough it will keep the victim from returning to work. Most households aren’t financially prepared for the wages that are lost when injuries prevent someone from doing their job.

Pain and Suffering

If the injury causes scarring or prevents the victim from using a limb or organ, the court may award extra compensation for the past and future pain and suffering caused by the injury. Trip and fall lawyers will carefully evaluate your case to determine the pain and suffering you are experiencing. They will then work with you to make sure you receive adequate compensation.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

There is no exact formula that accurately determines how much your case is worth. Our trip and fall lawyers will review the facts of your accident and show you examples of settlements and verdicts that we have obtained for previous clients. This can assist you in determining the results you can achieve with the help of our trip and fall lawyers.

How Do I Know Your Firm Is Right for Me?

We understand that choosing a law firm is a very personal and difficult decision. We believe that it is in your best interests to work with a firm that exclusively practices personal injury law. That way, you have experienced professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of this branch of the law. Our team of slip and fall lawyers have a long history of working with injury victims and have helped to obtain the compensation that they needed to move forward after their accident. Feel free to review the testimonials that our past clients have written after dealing with our firm.

Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one are dealing with injuries and medical expenses from a snow or ice accident, the trip and fall lawyers at Philly Slip and Fall Guys are here to help. We will evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for successful reimbursement. To learn more about our qualifications, services, and pricing, contact our team today.