Understanding Liability for Snow and Ice at Schools

Pennsylvania winters often bring icy sidewalks, frozen parking lots, and slippery walkways. When a child slips and falls at school because of ice, parents naturally want to know whether the school district or another party can be held responsible.

In many cases, the answer is yes — but it depends on who had the duty to maintain the area and whether negligence played a role. Schools are expected to keep their premises reasonably safe for students, especially during arrival, dismissal, and recess.

When a School May Be Liable

A school or school district may be responsible for your child’s injuries if they failed to take reasonable steps to clear ice or warn students of hazardous conditions. Negligence may include:

• Not salting or treating walkways before students arrived

• Ignoring known ice patches

• Failing to inspect outdoor areas after a freeze

• Allowing melted snow to refreeze without warning signs

Because schools have a legal duty of care, failing to address dangerous winter conditions could make them liable for resulting injuries.

Governmental Immunity and Exceptions

Public schools often have certain protections under Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, but there are key exceptions.
A claim may still be valid if:

• The injury occurred due to unsafe conditions on real property

• The hazard was something the school knew about or should have known about

• Reasonable steps to prevent the danger were not taken

These cases can be more complex, which is why legal guidance is essential.

Who Else Could Be Responsible?

In some situations, another party may share liability:

• Private contractors responsible for snow removal

• Third-party property owners if the fall occurred on shared grounds

• Bus companies if injuries occurred at designated loading areas

Identifying the correct responsible party is critical for a successful claim.

What to Do After a School-Related Fall

If your child is injured due to ice at school, take these important steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately and document the injuries.

2. Report the incident to school administrators in writing.

3. Take photos or videos of the icy area if possible.

4. Gather statements from witnesses, including students or staff.

5. Consult a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance representatives or school officials about fault.

The more documentation you have, the stronger your potential claim.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If negligence caused your child’s fall, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills

• Rehabilitation or therapy

• Pain and suffering

• Long-term impacts or disability

• Emotional distress

MHK Attorneys can help determine the full value of your case.

Conclusion

Yes — it may be possible to file a lawsuit if your child slips on ice at school, but Pennsylvania’s laws and immunity rules make these cases more complex than standard slip-and-fall claims.

The experienced personal injury lawyers at MHK Attorneys can investigate the conditions, identify liability, and fight for the compensation your child deserves. Contact us today to discuss your case and understand your family’s legal options.