Philadelphia Ice & Snow Accident Lawyers
When ice and snow coat walkways, parking lots, and roads, they pose a serious threat. If these unsafe conditions result in a severe accident, property owners, drivers, or third parties may be liable for your injuries and losses. The Philadelphia ice and snow lawyers of Rosenbaum & Associates can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Property Owners’ Responsibilities?
In winter conditions, Philadelphia landowners and commercial tenants are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks, paths, and stairways. The same rules apply for businesses and municipal buildings. However, their responsibilities do not stop there. Black ice can develop even if the snow has been plowed or shoveled away. Property owners must ensure these areas are salted and clear of dangerous ice conditions.
State and local municipalities are also responsible for ensuring snow and ice do not accumulate on bridges or highway overpasses. Ice and snow that can fall from there and onto a road below present a danger to drivers.
Ice and snow accident claims involving property owners or the government can seem complicated if you do not have a clear individual or company that is considered responsible for the incident. Factors to consider are the type of property you were on, the location of the accident, and who would be responsible for shoveling, icing, or other preventative measures.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Snow and Ice
Just as property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe from hazards, motorists must drive carefully when snow or ice is on the roads. If another driver’s negligent actions caused your car accident, we can help you fight for fair compensation if you were severely injured.
Compensation for an Ice & Snow Accident
Individuals injured in an ice and snow accident in Philadelphia are entitled to recover damages. Damages is a legal term that describes the different types of compensation available to reimburse victims for their losses. That can include:
Economic Damages: financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills: emergency visits, hospitalizations, physical therapy, prescription medications, etc.
- In-home medical care
- Property repair or replacement
- Lost wages from missed work
- Diminished earning capacity (if you are no longer able to work at the same level as before the accident)
Non-Economic Damages: These damages are subjective and do not reflect a specific financial loss, making them more challenging to prove—for instance:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of opportunity
- Loss of consortium
- Physical impairment (e.g., disability, loss of a limb)
- Disfigurement
- Unjust hardship
Punitive Damages
This type of compensation is rarely awarded and only recovered when a defendant (at-fault party) was extremely reckless. It is intended as punishment for the defendant and to deter similar harmful acts by others in the future.
Our Philadelphia Ice & Snow Accident Attorneys Can Help
Proving that the individual or entity was negligent is the key to obtaining the compensation you need to recover. An experienced Philadelphia ice and snow accident attorney can help you determine if you have a case and the appropriate legal actions in your situation. Call (215) 569-0200 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.