Why Pittsburgh Sees More Slip and Fall Claims in Winter Months
Slip and fall incidents are very common in Pittsburgh, particularly during the winter months. Because many of these accidents are preventable, they often lead to numerous personal injury lawsuits against negligent property owners.
If you are concerned about traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries like sprains or dislocated shoulders, you are not alone. Contact our team today to learn why Pittsburgh sees more slip and fall claims in winter months and what you should do if you get hurt in a public area or business.
What Makes a Prime Location for Slip and Fall Claims?
Pittsburgh is a hot spot for slip and fall cases, particularly during the winter. This is primarily due to icy walkways and snow-covered parking lots. These weather conditions are a danger themselves, and also lead to slippery wet floors inside businesses. In addition, the city is full of hazards, such as uneven sidewalks, broken railings, and poor lighting due to shorter daylight hours and frequent cloud cover. This combination of dangers puts you at risk.
Which Areas are High Risk for Wintertime Slip and Fall Cases?
High-risk areas for wintertime slip-and-fall accidents are heavily influenced by Pittsburgh’s unique topography, where one may encounter steep hills and significant freeze-thaw cycles that create black ice. The most hazardous spots include public sidewalks in hilly neighborhoods like Mount Washington, Squirrel Hill, and Greenfield, as well as commercial parking lots and building entrances. Bridges also play a part in the area’s uniquely hazardous conditions during the winter months, such as the Fort Pitt and Smithfield Street Bridges. These structures are particularly dangerous because cold air circulates above and below, causing them to freeze faster than surrounding roads.
Slip and fall incidents are also common in retail stores, shopping malls, apartment buildings, and commercial parking lots due to uncleared snow, ice, or slush tracked inside. Because property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions, they could be held liable if they fail to address known hazards.
Talk to a Pittsburgh Attorney About Your Wintertime Slip and Fall Accident and Why Our City Experiences So Many
The residents of Pittsburgh see more slip and fall claims in winter months. Protect yourself from injury by wearing boots with rubber, non-slip treads, walking slowly with short, flat-footed steps, and always use handrails if available. If these tips did not work for you and you took a tumble and suffered an injury, it is time to consult with the resolute slip and fall injury attorneys at Bordas & Bordas.
Our experienced legal team secured a $16.9 million premises liability verdict against Walmart for one injured client. We are not afraid to take on the big players, so connect with us to set up your free consultation and case review.