When it comes to ice and snow, Philadelphia is notorious for its slip and fall accident risks. Between snowy sidewalks and iced-over subway entrances, Philadelphia residents should not only be on the lookout for slip and fall hazards but should also know what to do (and who to hold liable) in case they’re injured.
Why Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Philadelphia?
Slip and fall hazards come in many forms. In Philadelphia, slip and fall accidents are most common on residential sidewalks, in stores and at government buildings (such as post offices), subway stations, and tourist attractions.
Unlike many other parts of the country, Philly sees an uptick in tourists over the holiday season due to popular local attractions such as ice skating, Christmas villages, and light shows. Furthermore, many people both from Philadelphia, as well as New Jersey and Delaware book dining reservations in the city from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day. Likewise, many people will use the subway during the winter season, especially if it’s too unsafe to drive, walk or ride their bike to school or work.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents During Winter
As you can see, there are plenty of places where residents and visitors alike can slip and fall in Philadelphia during the winter season. The most common causes of slip and fall accidents during the winter season include but are not limited to:
- Icy residential sidewalks and driveways
- Iced-over subway entrances/exits
- Slick subway platforms wet with snow or water tracked in by commuters
- Slippery floors in restaurants, stores, and government buildings
- Slippery sidewalks at the exits of ice rinks
Slip and fall accidents at any of these locations can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, limb loss, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries.
Challenges to Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Philadelphia
Unfortunately, the city of Philadelphia doesn’t always make it easy to move forward with a slip and fall accident claim. For starters, it’s not always easy to prove fault in a slip and fall accident claim the same way it is for a motor vehicle accident. This is especially true, as Philadelphia is often toted as a “walkable city,” in which pedestrians should exercise caution when walking to and from their destination. One of the main reasons why slip and fall accidents are so difficult to prove is because the property owner could quickly remove the evidence, i.e. – clearing snow off the sidewalk in front of their house. Even though Philadelphia requires building owners and tenants to clear a 36” path in front of their home after a snowstorm, some tenants may choose to ignore this.
How to Document Your Slip and Fall Accident and Injury
Examples like this are why it’s critical for you to document evidence of your slip and fall accident as soon as it happens. Take photos of the trip and fall hazard, as well as everything surrounding it. Don’t worry about taking “too much” evidence, as your personal injury attorney will let you know what is pertinent to your case and what’s not. During this time, you should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw your slip and fall accident. This will come in handy if the defendant tries to claim that their walkway was clear in an effort to avoid liability.
Once you’ve documented where the injury occurred, seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, many injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding may not have symptoms until a few days after the injury was sustained. Keep a copy of all your medical records, including co-pays and prescription costs.
Last but not least, you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you build your case. Building owners and tenants who are in violation of Code 10-720, which outlines snow and ice removal, can face up to $300 for each violation. Not only will the property owner face monetary fines for their violation, but they can be held responsible for the injuries their negligence caused.
Contact a Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Slip and Fall Accident Case in Pennsylvania
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC represent clients injured because of slip and fall accidents in Philadelphia, Center City, University City, and throughout Pennsylvania. Call 215-607-2626 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 200 S. Broad St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
