Now that the winter season is approaching, it is important to be aware of snow and ice conditions. It is because, unfortunately, these weather conditions can cause dangerous accidents that lead to serious injuries. While these accidents can sometimes be avoided with caution, it is possible for an accident to occur as a result of negligence. When this happens, the injured party may be able to recover significant compensation as coverage for any damages that stem from the incident. If you or someone you know was injured in a snow or ice accident, it is important to an experienced personal injury attorney to assist your case.
Common Causes of Snow and Ice Accidents
There are different ways that a snow or ice accident may occur as a result of negligence. This can include but is not limited to the following circumstances:
- Walkways left uncleared past the legally acceptable window of time
- Failure to properly salt steps and walkways
- Icy handrails
- Failure to remove any hanging icicles
- Leaks left unaddressed
Who is Liable?
All property owners in the state of Pennsylvania have a legal obligation to take care of their premises so that others who come onto it are safe. What many people may not know is that this includes cleaning snow and ice off the sidewalk adjoining their property. This must be done within the period of time allotted to them by the state. In Pennsylvania, property owners have 24 hours from the end of the snowfall to clean the property. If they fail to do so and a person becomes hurt as a result, the property owner may be held liable for negligence.
Recovering Compensation
Once an injured party establishes who is liable for their injuries, they may want to hold the party responsible for their suffering. This can be accomplished through a personal injury lawsuit that exists to prove negligence. During this time, the individual is required to prove that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazardous snow or ice and failed to take care of it. This can be done with evidence such as medical documentation of the injuries, pictures or videos of the snow, and any witnesses to the incident. This can often be difficult, which is why an experienced attorney should be retained for assistance.
Statute of Limitations
After being involved in a personal injury accident, the victim may hesitate before pursuing legal action. While this is understandable, it is crucial to not wait too long before doing so. This is because the statute of limitations requires an individual to file a claim within a certain time period. If the individual fails to meet this deadline, they may lose their opportunity to hold the property owner negligent. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.