Almost no one expects a winter accident, but businesses understand and even plan for the danger. Most companies in the Northern United States set aside special funds with the sole purpose of handling the damages from winter accidents. One international company lays aside $1 billion every year for its US division to handle personal injury cases resulting from snow and ice; Kats Jamison and Associates has helped our clients recover substantial damages. Our recent settlement was $750,000 for a woman that slipped and fell on ice and there are many others like it. These incidents happen all the time, and the damages can be severe.
Harsh and unexpected weather conditions can make it difficult to keep properties safe during winter months. The owner has a responsibility to clear snow and ice, and yet these can arise as suddenly as a hailstorm, or an unexpected cold front. Even the most organized business cannot anticipate and clear slippery conditions in order to keep the property 100% safe, at all times.
Pennsylvania law also places some responsibility for caution on the part of visitors, workers, and pedestrian traffic. We urge everyone to take appropriate precautionary measures.
Areas where Most Slip and Fall on Ice Incidents Occur Ice and snow can quickly build-up in areas around businesses before personnel can appropriately respond with snow ploughs, salt, and shovels. As a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, we see injuries most frequently in the following areas: 1. Parking lots 2. Garages 3. Outside the business (unclassified areas) 4. Stairs, ramps, and docks 5. Sidewalks 6. Entryways, such as lobbies and vestibules Despite knowing where slippery conditions are likeliest, the pedestrians in Philadelphia and adjacent counties like Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware County can still fall, simply because the conditions are difficult to see, avoid, or account for. If an incident does occur, then we recommend you take the appropriate actions to ensure a successful case. This protects you from the substantial financial repercussions that a severe personal injury can have on your life.
Kats Jamison and Associates recommends you take the following steps and precautions in the event of a slip and fall on ice. 1. Do not make any detailed statements regarding the accident. 2. Do not make a recorded statement with the insurance adjustors. 3. Take down the contact information for the property owners and managers. 4. Find witnesses and write down their contact information. 5. Take pictures of the defects/hazards and of your injury. 6. Save all clothing, especially the footwear you wore when the slip and fall occurred. 7. Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured. 8. Call our law firm to connect with a slip and fall attorney in Philadelphia and adjacent counties for a free consultation: (215) 396-9001.
We also recommend you report your case to the immediate supervisor in the area where the accident occurred. Do not go into detail regarding the nature of the accident. Simply state where the accident occurred, take the necessary contact information, and move on. How a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Philadelphia Determines Damages for Your Claim Whether the slip and fall happens in Philadelphia or an adjacent area, the determination is basically the same. Our clients frequently ask us to estimate the value of their claim as early as possible. While it is difficult to give an accurate estimate of damages early in the process, we are able to give a figure after all of the medical bills and reports have been submitted.
My office of experienced personal injury attorneys meets on a weekly basis to analyze the cases that have come into the firm; we discuss and make a joint decision on each case. My office makes itself completely available to our clients; we take calls 24 hours each day, seven days of the week; we visit clients in the home or the hospital. If you need anything – from free consultation with regards to your case, to a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, please do not hesitate to call us. And please, stay safe out there. If you are in the Greater Philadelphia area, please call (215) 396-9001. Kats Jamison & Associates is a personal injury law practice serving Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware County, and other adjacent counties. <>
