Winter has arrived in Pennsylvania and while it is important everyone knows how to avoid becoming involved in an accident, it is just as crucial property owners know how to prevent them from occurring on their property. If someone is injured in a slip and fall accident on your property, you may be considered negligent and therefore, liable for paying damages. Below are the top tips to avoid a slip and fall on your property so no one takes legal action against you.
Have a Plan in Place
You never want to be caught off-guard after the first snowfall and not know how to proceed. Have a plan in place whether you are going to use a snow removal company, or clear the ice and snow on your own. Also make sure you have the necessary supplies, including shovels, ice melt, sand, and anything else you will need.
Comply with City Ordinances
Most municipalities in Pennsylvania have laws regarding when you should clear your property of ice and snow. In Allentown, property owners have only ten hours from the time the snow stops falling to remove the snow from their premises. If you do not clear snow and ice within this time, you will likely be found liable for paying any damages an accident victim sustains.
Remove Snow and Ice Properly
Removing snow and ice on its own is unfortunately not enough. If you do not clear snow properly, the piles you create could pose a hazard on their own. Always make sure the snow and ice that is cleared is in a place that will not pose a danger to anyone else. Also remember to consider the runoff the piles could create when they melt and to try and minimize runoff as much as possible.
Regularly Inspect Your Property
You may think your job is done once you have cleared the ice and snow from your property. Unfortunately, ignoring the property at this point could be costly. Snow and ice in some areas of the property, such as those in sunny areas, may melt faster than shaded spots. Once those areas have melted, it may become colder and any areas that have water on them may refreeze. You need to regularly inspect the property so you can reapply any melting agents when needed and avoid a liability claim.
Our Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help with Your Claim
Property owners can take many steps to avoid a slip and fall claim, but that does not mean that they always will. If you have been hurt in a slip and fall claim, our Allentown slip and fall lawyers at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim are here to help. If you have been hurt, call us at (215) 486-0123 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.
Resource:
allentownpa.gov/Portals/0/files/Streets/SNOW%20FAQ.pdf