A: Under Pennsylvania slip and fall law, homeowners and business owners must take reasonable care of sidewalks in front of homes or businesses. What is reasonable depends on the circumstances. There must be evidence of negligence.
Slipping and falling on ice, in and of itself, is not evidence of negligence. However, if the ice existed on the sidewalk in large, excessive amounts or for a long period of time, the owner may be held liable. For example, in melt and refreeze situations where snow melts and refreezes again, the owner may be held liable for failing to shovel or salt the sidewalk in a timely manner. Learn more about liability in a snow/ice melt and refreeze situation in Pennsylvania.
Proving the Existence of Ice/Snow on a Sidewalk
Having photos will be helpful to demonstrate that excessive ice was present on the sidewalk. In many cases, no photos are available. While photos are the best evidence, other testimony from witnesses, including the injured person, can also establish excessive ice on a sidewalk.
Related snow and ice fall down accident article: Liability in a Snow & Ice Fall Accident
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
The law firm of Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan has helped many slip and fall and trip and fall accident victims. The firm offers a FREE, INITIAL consultation. Contact our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey slip and fall lawyers. Click To Call. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
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