Slip and Fall on Ice in Pennsylvania: Can You Sue?

Pennsylvania winters bring snow, sleet, and ice, conditions that significantly increase the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. While not every fall leads to a viable lawsuit, victims who suffer serious injuries after slipping on icy sidewalks or parking lots may have legal grounds to seek compensation. If you’re wondering whether you can sue after a fall on ice, understanding the state’s liability rules is the first step, and a Pennsylvania slip-and-fall accident lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson can help. 

Property Owner Responsibility in Winter Conditions

Under Pennsylvania law, property owners have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises, including removing snow and ice within a reasonable timeframe. This applies to:

• Homeowners
• Commercial property owners
• Landlords and property managers
• Government entities (in limited circumstances)

When someone is injured due to a hazardous condition, like untreated ice, a property owner may be held liable if they failed to take appropriate action in a timely manner. These cases are often referred to as icy sidewalk lawsuits in Pennsylvania, and they hinge on proving that the owner was negligent.

The “Hills and Ridges” Doctrine

Pennsylvania follows a legal principle called the “hills and ridges” doctrine, which protects property owners from liability in some cases. This rule states that a landowner is only responsible for natural accumulations of snow or ice if they allow it to remain long enough to form hills, ridges, or other dangerous formations.

In order to bring a successful claim under this doctrine, you generally must prove:

• The ice or snow had accumulated in a way that created an unreasonable risk
• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard
• The owner failed to remove or treat the hazard within a reasonable time

Common Locations for Ice-Related Falls

Slip-and-fall accidents on ice can happen anywhere, but certain places are more prone to dangerous conditions in winter. These include:

• Sidewalks outside stores, apartment buildings, or homes
• Parking lots in commercial areas
• Stairs and walkways that haven’t been salted or shoveled

Not all falls lead to legal claims, but when injuries are severe and negligence is evident, victims should explore their legal options.

What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall on Ice

If you’ve been hurt in a fall caused by ice or snow, your actions in the aftermath can affect your ability to pursue a claim.

Important steps to take include:

• Report the incident to the property owner or manager
• Take photos of the icy condition and surrounding area
• Get medical treatment and keep records of your injuries
• Speak with a Pennsylvania slip-and-fall accident lawyer

Contact a PA Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by ice or snow, you may be entitled to compensation. These cases are complex and often depend on specific details, like how long the hazard existed and whether the property owner acted reasonably. 

The experienced team at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Call (215) 731-9900 today to speak with our knowledgeable Pennsylvania slip-and-fall accident lawyer about your potential claim.