Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers

Slip and fall accidents can happen in public and private spaces, like supermarkets, restaurants, and sidewalks, so always being aware of your surroundings is essential. These are the most common causes of slip and fall accidents:

• Negligent maintenance of walking surfaces, like pavement cracks, uneven flooring, loose carpets, and cluttered pathways, can all contribute to trips and falls.
• Poor lighting conditions also contribute to slip and fall incidents. Limited visibility increases the likelihood of not noticing obstacles or changes in terrain.
• Weather-related factors like snow, ice, and rain contribute to slippery conditions, particularly in regions like Philadelphia.
• Failure to promptly address known hazards allows unsafe conditions to persist, increasing the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. Without timely intervention, individuals remain exposed to risks.
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• Defective or poorly constructed staircases lack stability, leading to unexpected changes in elevation and footing. These inconsistencies increase the risk of missteps and falls.

Understanding common causes can help you pinpoint liability and pursue compensation. Determining negligence is essential for holding the responsible party accountable.

These accidents frequently lead to sprains, strains, and fractures, particularly affecting the wrists, ankles, and hips. Soft tissue injuries like bruises and abrasions are also prevalent. Head and brain injuries, including concussions, are a serious concern, particularly among older adults. Additionally, spinal cord injuries may occur, causing lasting pain and mobility issues. Even seemingly minor slips can lead to significant harm, emphasizing the importance of implementing preventive measures and maintaining safe environments to mitigate the risk of such injuries.

If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident, you should follow these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim:

• Call 911 immediately, even if your injuries seem minor.
• Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or relevant authority.
• Document the scene by taking photographs of the hazardous conditions and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information from witnesses who can provide testimony regarding the accident.
• Refrain from making statements or admissions of fault.
• Consult an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer to assess your case and explore legal options.

Premises liability law governs the legal responsibility of property owners or occupiers for injuries sustained by individuals while on their premises. It encompasses a range of scenarios, including slip and fall accidents. The key principle is that property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions and warn visitors of any hazards that could cause harm. Liability in slip and fall cases is determined by establishing negligence by the property owner or manager. Factors that may contribute to liability include:

• Failure to maintain a safe premises.
• Failure to address known hazards in a reasonable timeframe.
• Inadequate warning signs for dangers.
• Violation of building codes or safety regulations.

Proving liability requires demonstrating that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. Our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers can work to gather evidence like maintenance records, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to support your personal injury claim.

You may be entitled to these forms of compensation to cover your losses after a slip and fall accident:

• Medical expenses for treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost wages and income due to missed work or disability.
• Pain and suffering, including physical and emotional distress.

Seeking compensation for slip and fall injuries also requires thorough documentation of damages, including medical bills, receipts, employment records, and expert testimony when necessary. Our knowledgeable slip and fall lawyers can help assess the full extent of your losses and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases typically allows victims to file lawsuits within two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions depending on the nature of the case. For instance, claims against government entities may have shorter timeframes, requiring you to act swiftly. It is crucial to consult with us promptly to ensure you understand and adhere to the applicable statute of limitations.

In some cases, you may still be able to pursue compensation for your injuries in a slip and fall accident, even if you were partially at fault. Keep in mind that your recovery may be reduced based on the percentage of fault attributed to you. Under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule, a plaintiff can still recover damages if their percentage of fault is less than 50 percent. However, if the plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more at fault, they are barred from recovering any damages. So, if someone was texting while walking and did not see a crack in the pavement, they might share responsibility for their slip and fall claim. This system allows for fair fault distribution and compensation in personal injury cases.