Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Accidents

Winter weather in Pennsylvania can create dangerous conditions for pedestrians. Snow and ice accumulation on sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways can lead to serious slip and fall accidents.

Slip and fall injuries caused by snow and ice can lead to broken hips, wrist fractures, head injuries, and long-term mobility issues.

Property owners and business operators generally have a duty to take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. This includes clearing snow and ice within a reasonable amount of time after a storm and treating icy surfaces with salt or sand if necessary.

Pennsylvania recognizes what is sometimes called the “hills and ridges doctrine.” This legal principle can limit liability if snow and ice have accumulated naturally and the snow and ice were not allowed to form dangerous ridges or uneven piles over time. However, if a property owner allows dangerous conditions to remain for an extended period, liability may still apply.

Commercial properties typically have a higher duty of care than private residences, especially when the public is invited onto the property for business purposes.

Evidence in these cases may include weather reports, maintenance logs, photographs of the surface, and witness accounts of the conditions.

Understanding how responsibility is determined for winter hazards is an important part of evaluating potential liability under Pennsylvania law.