| Homeowners Can Be Liable For Slips, Falls on Snow |
How much time do Pennsylvanians have to clear their sidewalks of snow
before someone who slips and falls can hold them responsible?
"Generally in Pennsylvania, as a homeowner, you are responsible to keep
your property safe, but you are afforded a reasonable amount of time to
clear the snow and ice," lawyer Anthony Bompiani said.
Video:  Homeowners Can Be Liable For Slips, Falls On Snow
"If it wasn't like that in Pennsylvania, you'd be expected every time a
snowflake drops to run out and shovel and salt. That's not the case."
Pittsburgh
attorneys told Channel 4 Action News that each community has its own
ordinance, but in most cases, it's 24 hours after the last flake falls.
"If
it gets to the point where the snow has the opportunity to melt and
then refreeze, that's where you are going to be looking at some
damage," Bompiani said.
Businesses are held to a higher standard because they invite people on their property.
That's a sensitive subject for lawyer Mike Stewart, who owns several rental properties and the building where he practices law.
"The
people who are coming to see us -- they're business invitees, we've
invited them to come on to our property, so we do have the higher
standard," Stewart said. "I've got some individuals out there very
early in the morning, making sure we stay ahead of any accumulation of
snow and make sure we address things like ice as best we can."
Injuries
from slipping and falling are sometimes covered by insurance, but
Stewart and Bompiani said that if something does occur, you should
never just rely on insurance to pay for damages because there is
usually an out-of-pocket deductible and your premium could go up.
"If you don't want to be sued, you need to be proactive," Bompiani said. "You need to stay ahead of the game."
If you have been injured due to a slip and fall, contact L. Anthony Bompiani, Esquire for help at (724) 925-9600. |
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Posted By Bompiani Law Group LLC on January 12, 2010 02:23 pm | Permalink  |