Winter weather is part of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but snow and ice should never be an excuse for unsafe property conditions. Every year, people suffer serious injuries after slipping on icy sidewalks, snow-covered parking lots, untreated walkways, and frozen staircases. While some falls result in minor bruises, many lead to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and other life-changing medical conditions.
Although winter storms cannot be prevented, many slip and fall accidents can. Property owners, businesses, landlords, and property managers have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. When they fail to remove snow, treat ice, or address hazardous winter conditions within a reasonable period, they may be held responsible for the injuries that result.
If you have been injured because of dangerous winter conditions, an experienced ice and snow slip and fall lawyer in Scranton can investigate the accident, determine who may be liable, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. At The Moran Law Group, we represent victims throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania who have been injured because of unsafe property conditions.
If you are searching for a slip and fall attorney in Scranton, know that the residents of Scranton and beyond rely on The Moran Law Firm after a serious winter accident. Contact us today; our attorneys are ready to help.
Where Do Winter Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
Snow and ice can create dangerous conditions almost anywhere people walk. While many people immediately think of sidewalks, winter hazards are common on both public and private property.
Common accident locations include:
- Shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Apartment complexes
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Medical facilities
- Parking lots
- Parking garages
- Exterior stairways
- Sidewalks
- Gas stations
- Schools
- Retail stores
Business owners and property managers should regularly inspect these areas during winter weather and take reasonable steps to reduce hazards before customers, tenants, or visitors are injured.
Common Causes of Ice and Snow Falls
Not every winter accident is caused by freshly fallen snow. Many dangerous conditions develop because property owners fail to maintain their premises throughout the winter season.
Untreated Ice
Black ice is one of the leading causes of winter falls because it is often nearly invisible. Ice can develop overnight, after melting snow refreezes, or when water continually drains across sidewalks and parking lots.
Snow-Covered Walkways
Snow may hide uneven pavement, potholes, broken sidewalks, curbs, or other hazards beneath the surface. A property owner who clears only part of a walkway may still leave visitors exposed to dangerous conditions.
Poor Snow Removal
Simply plowing a parking lot is not always enough. Snow piles may melt during the day and refreeze overnight, creating large patches of ice. Walkways that are only partially cleared can force pedestrians into unsafe areas.
Water Drainage Problems
Improper drainage often causes recurring ice patches. Leaking gutters, broken downspouts, damaged roofs, and poor grading may allow water to flow across sidewalks where it freezes as temperatures drop.
Inadequate Lighting
Many people leave work after sunset during the winter months. Poor lighting can make it difficult to recognize icy conditions until it is too late to avoid them.
Property Owners Have Responsibilities During Winter
Pennsylvania property owners are not expected to remove every snowflake the moment it falls. However, they are expected to act reasonably under the circumstances.
Depending on the property, that may include:
- Inspecting walkways regularly
- Removing accumulated snow
- Applying salt or ice melt
- Clearing entrances and exits
- Maintaining handrails
- Repairing drainage problems
- Warning visitors of temporary hazards
- Monitoring changing weather conditions
Businesses that invite customers onto their property should have procedures in place for responding to winter weather. Apartment complexes, office buildings, and commercial properties should also have maintenance plans that address snow and ice removal.
When these responsibilities are ignored, serious injuries can occur.
Pennsylvania’s Hills and Ridges Rule
Many winter slip and fall claims involve what is commonly known as Pennsylvania’s Hills and Ridges Doctrine.
This legal principle recognizes that property owners cannot always remove snow and ice immediately during or directly after a winter storm. In some situations involving widespread natural accumulations of snow and ice, this doctrine may affect whether a property owner can be held liable.
However, many people mistakenly believe that this rule prevents every winter injury claim. That is simply not true.
The doctrine may not apply when:
- Ice resulted from poor drainage.
- Water repeatedly froze in the same location.
- A leaking gutter created dangerous conditions.
- The hazard was localized rather than part of general winter conditions.
- The property owner had sufficient time to address the danger.
Because these cases are highly fact-specific, it is important to have an attorney evaluate your accident before assuming you do not have a claim.
An experienced fall slip and fall lawyer who focuses specifically on ice/snow slip and falls can determine how Pennsylvania law applies to your particular circumstances.
Who May Be Responsible?
Liability often depends upon who controlled and maintained the property where the accident occurred.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Commercial property owners
- Shopping centers
- Retail businesses
- Apartment complexes
- Landlords
- Property management companies
- Snow removal contractors
- Maintenance companies
- Employers
- Government entities
In some situations, multiple parties share responsibility. For example, a shopping center may own the property while an outside contractor is responsible for snow removal. Determining who had the duty to maintain the area is an important part of every investigation.
Evidence Can Make the Difference
Winter conditions change quickly. Snow melts, ice disappears, sidewalks are salted, and parking lots are plowed. Because the conditions may look completely different only a few hours later, preserving evidence is critical.
Helpful evidence may include:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Pictures of snow and ice conditions
- Surveillance video
- Witness statements
- Maintenance records
- Snow removal logs
- Weather history
- Incident reports
- Medical records
If possible, take photographs before conditions change. Even cell phone pictures can become valuable evidence when establishing what caused the accident.
Common Injuries From Winter Falls
Falls on ice frequently cause severe injuries because victims often have little or no warning before they lose their balance.
Common injuries include:
- Hip fractures
- Wrist fractures
- Broken ankles
- Shoulder injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Knee injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Herniated discs
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Older adults face an increased risk of fractures, but winter slip and fall accidents can seriously injure people of every age.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, available evidence, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
How Moran Law Group Can Help
Winter slip and fall cases often involve complex investigations. Our attorneys work to identify the cause of the dangerous condition, determine who was responsible for maintaining the property, preserve important evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you need a slip and fall attorney Scranton residents trust after an accident involving snow or ice, Moran Law Group is ready to help.
Resource Center
For more information about Pennsylvania slip and fall claims, visit:
- Slip and Fall Attorney Scranton
- Store and Supermarket Fall Claims
- Ice and Snow Slip and Fall Accidents
- Slip and Fall on Government Property
- Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Cases
Contact Moran Law Group
A serious winter fall can leave you facing painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. You should not have to handle the legal process alone.
Contact Moran Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice and Snow Slip and Fall Accidents
Can I file a claim if I slipped on ice outside a business?
Possibly. Property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for customers and visitors. If the owner failed to remove snow or treat dangerous ice within a reasonable time, they may be responsible for your injuries. Every case depends on the facts, including the weather conditions, how long the hazard existed, and whether the owner had an opportunity to correct it. An attorney can investigate these issues and determine whether negligence contributed to your accident.
What should I do immediately after a winter slip and fall accident?
Your health should always come first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries do not seem serious at first. If you are able, photograph the snow or ice, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries before conditions change. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and obtain witness information if possible. Preserve the shoes and clothing you were wearing, as they may become relevant later. Contacting an attorney promptly can also help preserve valuable evidence before it disappears.
What is the Hills and Ridges Doctrine?
The Hills and Ridges Doctrine is a Pennsylvania legal principle that may apply to certain accidents involving natural accumulations of snow and ice. It recognizes that property owners cannot instantly eliminate all winter hazards during or immediately after a storm. However, the doctrine does not apply in every case. Localized patches of ice, drainage problems, leaking gutters, or hazards unrelated to natural weather conditions may fall outside the doctrine. An attorney can evaluate your accident and explain whether this rule affects your potential claim.
Who can be held responsible for a winter slip and fall?
Responsibility depends on who owned, controlled, or maintained the property where the accident occurred. Potentially liable parties include commercial property owners, landlords, property management companies, retail businesses, maintenance contractors, snow removal companies, employers, or government entities. In some situations, more than one party shares responsibility. An investigation may include reviewing maintenance contracts, inspection records, and snow removal schedules to determine who had the duty to keep the property reasonably safe for visitors during winter weather.
Why should I hire an attorney after slipping on snow or ice?
Winter slip and fall claims often involve complicated legal issues and aggressive insurance companies. A lawyer can investigate the accident, preserve surveillance footage, obtain maintenance records, identify responsible parties, and gather evidence before it disappears. Insurance companies frequently argue that winter weather alone caused the accident or that the injured person was at fault. Having experienced legal representation helps level the playing field and allows you to focus on your recovery while your attorney works to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.