Slip-and-fall accidents are common during the winter, and not even the most careful Pennsylvania residents may be able to avoid dangerous injuries and incidents when they encounter slick surfaces. When individuals fall outdoors, their losses may be compensable through personal injury litigation based on the liability of others. This post will briefly touch on some of the ways liability may result from outdoor slip-and-fall accidents, but readers should always secure their own attorneys to advise them on their specific claims.
One of the biggest contributors to outdoor slip-and-fall accidents during the winter is precipitation. Precipitation can include snow, rain, sleet and even hail. When it falls and accumulates on outdoor surfaces, it can cause individuals to lose traction and to lose their balance. This can result in dangerous falls that may cause victims extensive injuries.
Another hazard that may be amplified during the winter months is poor lighting in outdoor areas. For example, a poorly lit parking garage may be reasonably safe during the summer when the sun illuminates its surfaces until late in the evening. In the winter, though, the sun sets early and natural light is limited throughout the day. A dark parking lot, sidewalk or other outdoor location may become hazardous due to the low light of winter.
A slip-and-fall accident may result in broken bones, bruising, cuts, concussions, organ damage and a myriad of other serious and even life-threatening harm. When one occurs in a poorly maintained outdoor area, the victim may have a claim to recover their losses from the responsible party. This post does not provide legal advice and should be used as information only.
