Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys in Erie, Pennsylvania

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has Devoted His Career to Fighting for the Justice of Victims Injured by the Negligence of Others. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Elite Team of Lawyers Promises to Demand the Maximum Reward for Your Snow and Ice Slip and Fall Injuries in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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Winters in the Northwestern region of Pennsylvania can be extremely brutal. With snow falling approximately 57 days per year, the average annual snowfall in Erie, Pennsylvania, is just over 100 inches. This makes Erie, Pennsylvania, the snowiest town in the Commonwealth. Residents are certainly not strangers to the bitter cold, snow, and ice during the wintertime. While snow alone can lead to hazardous situations, large fluctuations in temperatures can cause the snow to melt during the day and refreeze at night. This can result in treacherous and unpredictable icy conditions. We all know the feeling of stepping on an icy patch while walking outside in the winter. As you felt your feet sliding from underneath, you may have panicked and thrown your arms out to try and regain balance. Hopefully, you avoided falling and did not suffer any serious harm. But what happens to those unsuspecting individuals who fall and get seriously injured?

Although you may not think that winter slip and fall accidents could result in severe injuries, victims of slip and fall accidents on snow and ice frequently suffer fractured hips, broken wrists, damaged knees, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Many of the injuries associated with wintertime falls involve costly hospital bills, extensive physical therapy, and time off from work. Not to mention, falling on a hard patch of ice can lead to life-altering disabilities and permanent disfigurements.

Unfortunately, under Pennsylvania law, businesses and property owners are not automatically held liable for wintertime slip and fall accidents. It is crucial to consult with the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s top rated lawyers so that we can complete a thorough investigation and determine the likelihood of a successful premises liability claim. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s leading attorneys promise to do everything possible to obtain the compensation that you deserve. Negligent property owners and their insurance companies have forfeited over $175,000,000.00 in judgments and settlements to resolve Jed Dietrich, Esq.’s cases. Our veteran ice and snow accident injury lawyers are available 24/7 by dialing (814) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. The Dietrich Legal Team’s best of the best litigators would be pleased to provide you with a free, no-obligation lawsuit evaluation and legal advice.

Pennsylvania’s Hills and Ridges Doctrine

Pennsylvania law recognizes that snow is a normal occurrence, and keeping sidewalks free from snow and ice may not always be possible. While every property owner has a legal responsibility to safely maintain their premises and prevent unnecessary accidents, there is no absolute duty for landowners to continuously remove snow and ice from their properties. The hills and ridges doctrine, in other words, argues that if you fell on a sidewalk that was covered in fresh snow, typically, the property owner would not be held liable.

It is important to note that there is some room for interpretation and several exceptions to the hills and ridges doctrine. The doctrine does not apply in cases where the dangerous condition was created by negligence. For instance, if you fell because a homeowner’s leaky gutter caused a patch of black ice to form on the sidewalk, he or she could be held responsible. Since various nuances of the hills and ridges doctrine can be complicated, it is imperative to consult with a top rated attorney if you suffered injury from falling on snow or ice.

Compensation for Fall Injuries Caused by Snow and Ice

Poorly maintained driveways, parking lots, roads, and sidewalks can all quickly transform into dangerous areas for pedestrians. When snow and ice accumulate, trying to avoid slipping and falling may be challenging. Consequently, winter weather-related slip and fall accidents commonly occur in commercial areas, such as outside the Millcreek Mall and on residential properties. Suppose that you were unfortunate enough to endure devastating injuries after slipping and falling on ice or snow. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested litigators can help you build the strongest possible claim to show that your snow and ice fall resulted from the property owner’s negligence. Some common damages obtained from negligent property owners and their insurance companies in wintertime slip and fall accidents include:

1. Costs for ambulance transportation;
2. Emergency room treatment;
3. Current and future medical care;
4. Costs for prescription medications, such as painkillers;
5. Expenses for mobility devices needed to get around, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, or canes;
6. Property damages, like broken smartphones or glasses;
7. Lost earnings and any other work-related benefits;
8. Diminished future earning potential and career prospects;
9. Any out-of-pocket expenses, such as taxis or babysitters;
10. Pain and suffering;
11. Loss of consortium; and
12. Permanent disabilities suffered, such as spine injuries or nerve damage.

Slip and fall accidents on snow and ice frequently involve life-shattering injuries and other losses that must be sufficiently proven and effectively negotiated by a highly qualified attorney. The sooner that you hire the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s elite team, the quicker our veteran team can start investigating, collecting vital evidence, and building the strongest case possible. Our consultations and case assessments are always free, so you will not lose anything by calling us to schedule a meeting. Please contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned attorneys as soon as possible at (814) 839-3939 or by completing our online consultation form.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (814) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Erie, Pennsylvania. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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