Allentown Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises liability lawsuits can cover many causes of injury, from slipping on ice on a walkway to falling down a poorly lit staircase. However, these cases can be difficult to prove due to the complexities of the law, the different types of entrants, and the potential for multiple defendants.
For these reasons, many people who are injured under these circumstances turn to a skilled Allentown premises liability lawyer to represent their legal interests. A personal injury attorney could help you pursue compensation and hold the negligent party responsible if you were harmed on someone else’s property.
Causes for Premises Liability Cases
Under Pennsylvania law, business owners and private property owners have a duty to keep their premises free of any dangers or to warn guests of dangers that may exist. If the landowner neglects this duty, and it leads to the injuries of another person, the injured party could be entitled to damages.
While slip and fall cases are perhaps the most common type of claim filed under premises liability law, many other situations may warrant such a lawsuit, including:
- Allowing, liquid, debris or ice to accumulate
- Poorly lit stairs, steps, or parking areas
- Falling debris
- Sidewalk or roadway defects
- Amusement park accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Negligent security or maintenance
- Unsafe elevators and escalators
A well-versed Allentown premises liability attorney could help determine who is liable for their damages and how much compensation they should seek depending on their individual circumstances.
Types of Property Entrants
Under Pennsylvania premises liability law, there are three types of entrants to a property: trespassers, licensees, and invitees. Each type of visitor is entitled to separate standards of care and legal protection from property owners.
A trespasser is someone who is on property without permission,so the property owner owes them the least duty of care out of all of the types of visitors. A licensee has explicit permission to be on the property for a specific purpose and is owed a higher duty of care than a trespasser.
Finally, an invitee is owed the highest duty of care, as they are given explicit permission to be on the property. By consulting with a knowledgeable property liability lawyer in Allentown, an injured individual may be able to better determine which category they fall under.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims
Anyone who has incurred an injury on the property of another party should be aware that their time to file a lawsuit is limited by law. Under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes §5524, the statutory deadline for filing a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. If the claim happens to be against a government agency, however, the plaintiff must file a notice of intent to sue within six months of the date of their injury.
Hire an Allentown Premises Liability Attorney Today
If you suffered harm due to a negligent property owner, you may need the services of an Allentown premises liability lawyer. An attorney who is experienced in handling premises liability lawsuits could assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve, so call today to get your case started with a consultation.
