Weather can create hazardous conditions on properties, leading to slip-and-fall accidents or other injuries. In Pennsylvania, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions, even when snow, ice, or rain create risks. Understanding how weather impacts liability can help you know your rights if you’re injured on someone else’s property.
Snow and ice removal responsibilities
Pennsylvania follows the “hills and ridges” doctrine for snow and ice-related injuries. This means a property owner may not be liable for a slip unless the accumulation of snow or ice is unreasonable and has existed long enough to be addressed. A thin layer of ice or snow that recently fell may not lead to liability, but if a hazardous buildup remains untreated, the owner could be responsible.
Rain and slippery surfaces
Rain can make sidewalks, parking lots, and stairs dangerously slick. Property owners must ensure that drainage systems work properly and that entryways don’t become hazardous due to tracked-in water. Failing to place warning signs or install mats where water accumulates may make an owner liable if someone slips and falls.
High winds and falling debris
Strong winds can cause branches, signs, or other objects to become dangerous projectiles. If a property owner fails to secure loose items or remove dead trees, they could be responsible for injuries caused by falling debris. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to reduce these risks.
Holding property owners accountable
If you suffer an injury due to hazardous weather conditions on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. The key is proving that the owner had enough time to address the danger but failed to take reasonable steps. Weather doesn’t eliminate a property owner’s duty to maintain safe conditions.
