Philadelphia Slip and Fall Injury Lawyer

Slip and falls are one of the more common injuries that could occur on another person’s land. Collectively known as premises liability claims, injuries that occur because of defects on others’ property are notoriously complex. This is because you need to not only prove that you suffered an injury, but also that the landowner failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe.

A Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer may be able to help you collect compensation for your injuries. A compassionate Philadelphia personal injury lawyer will work with you to help gather evidence and fight for fair compensation in settlement talks. En Español.

Common Ways a Slip and Fall Could Occur

There are two main types of incidents that may cause slip and fall injuries. The first is the result of temporary hazards. For example, a store owner may fail to properly cordon off and clean a spill in their aisle. When an unsuspecting shopper steps on that spill, their balance may give way forcing them to fall. This could damage a person’s ankles, knees, hips, back, or neck.

The other source of trip and fall injuries are hazards that are inherent to the property.

These result from defects in the land itself that render the land unsafe for visitors.

Prime examples may include:

• Potholes in parking lots
• Broken stairs
• Faulty handrails
• Loose carpeting
• Uneven sidewalks

An injured person may only collect compensation if they can prove that a landowner was negligent in their care for the property. Luckily, a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer could help people to demonstrate this complex legal concept.

Types of Injuries in a Slip and Fall Accident

Slip and fall accidents on someone else’s property can lead to a variety of serious injuries, impacting every aspect of a victim’s life. Fall injuries often require immediate medical attention, and in many cases, result in long-term consequences that could affect a person’s ability to work or enjoy daily activities.

A Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer can help fall victims pursue financial compensation for their injuries, including lost wages, medical expenses, and future medical care.

Some of the most common fall injuries in slip and fall cases include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is one of the most severe injuries that can occur in a fall accident. These injuries can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and permanent disability. Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys often work with medical experts to demonstrate the impact of a TBI on a victim’s life and seek compensation to cover medical bills and ongoing care.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury can be life-altering, potentially leading to paralysis and requiring long-term rehabilitation. If a fall accident occurred due to a property owner’s failure to maintain a safe environment, such as failing to repair wet floors or other dangerous conditions, the victim may be able to recover significant financial compensation through a slip and fall lawsuit.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries, including sprains, strains, and torn ligaments, are common in slip and fall accidents. These injuries may not seem severe at first but can cause long-lasting pain and mobility issues, impacting the victim’s ability to work and perform daily activities. Experienced slip and fall lawyers can help prove that the injury was caused by the property owner’s negligence and seek compensation for both medical treatment and lost wages.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Fall accidents often lead to broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, hips, and legs, as victims attempt to break their fall. These serious injuries typically require surgery and extended recovery periods. A fall attorney will collect medical records and other evidence to demonstrate the extent of the injury and pursue a personal injury claim against the property owner.

Neck and Back Injuries

Injuries to the neck and back are common in slip and fall accidents and can result in chronic pain or even permanent disability. Personal injury lawyers will work with medical professionals to evaluate the victim’s injuries and negotiate with the insurance company to recover fair compensation for both immediate and future medical expenses.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Bruises

Though cuts and bruises may seem minor compared to other serious injuries, they can still lead to significant medical expenses if they require stitches or result in infections. Fall attorneys can help victims recover compensation for these injuries as part of a fall lawsuit.

If you’ve been injured in a fall accident due to a property owner’s failure to address unsafe or defective conditions, you have the right to pursue compensation. An experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you have the legal representation you need to build a strong case.

Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation, so don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury law firm to explore your options for pursuing justice and recovering money for your losses.

Whether your injury occurred on commercial property or elsewhere, fall victims deserve compensation for their suffering. An experienced attorney can help you navigate premises liability law and hold property owners accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, schedule a no-obligation consultation today to begin the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Assigning Fault in Trip and Fall Claims

Trip and fall injuries are almost always the result of accidents. However, this does not mean that a landowner is not responsible. Landowners maintain a duty to protect many visitors who enter their land. This includes a duty to keep that land reasonably safe for invited guests and to remedy any dangerous situations before they cause any harm.

As a result, a slip and fall claim requires a multi-part analysis. First, a plaintiff should be able to establish that they had permission to be on the land. Only guests with an express or implied invitation can claim property owner negligence. Trespassers typically cannot make a claim for damages after an accident.

A case should then examine the actions taken by the landowner to prevent the injury. As a rule, landowners have a duty to inspect their land for any hazards. It follows that a landowner may be negligent if they knew about a hazard and did nothing to fix it, or if they should have known about a hazard that caused an injury.

Modified Comparative Negligence in Philadelphia

A jury may examine the actions of a plaintiff to determine if they share any blame for their injuries. The Commonwealth uses a concept of law known as modified comparative negligence. According to PA Gen. Stat. §7102, a jury in a trip and fall case can limit a plaintiff’s award based on their percentage of blame for the accident. If the jury believes that a plaintiff is more than 50 percent to blame, they would completely dismiss the claim.

A plaintiff may also share blame if they were distracted by their phone while walking, chose to ignore warning signs, or wore inappropriate footwear that contributed to a loss of balance. A Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer could help injured individuals to demonstrate defendant negligence.

Slip and Fall Accident FAQ

What is a slip and fall accident?

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or defective stairs. These accidents often result in serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, and may lead to a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner.

What should I do after a slip and fall accident?

If you are a fall victim, the first step is to seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor. Your health and safety are the top priority, and having medical records can be crucial for any potential personal injury case. Additionally, it’s essential to document the dangerous condition that caused the fall, collect contact information from any witnesses, and report the incident to the property owner or manager.

Who can be held liable in a slip and fall case?

Property owners, including commercial property owners, have a legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If a property owner fails to address a dangerous condition or fails to warn visitors of potential hazards, they may be held liable for any injuries that occur. A Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer can help you determine if the property owner’s negligence played a role in your fall.

What types of injuries are common in slip and fall accidents?

Slip and fall accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to more severe injuries like soft tissue injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Some of these injuries can result in long-term disability, leading to significant medical bills and lost wages.

How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the fall accident. However, it is crucial to speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within this timeframe and to gather all necessary evidence.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the fall accident?

Pennsylvania follows the concept of modified comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your fall injury, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may not recover any compensation. An experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can help evaluate the details of your case and determine whether you can recover money for your injuries.

What kind of compensation can I recover in a slip and fall lawsuit?

Fall victims may be entitled to financial compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, future medical expenses, and pain and suffering. In cases involving severe injuries, a fall attorney can help you pursue a fair settlement or take your case to court to recover the compensation you deserve.

How do I prove the property owner was negligent?

To succeed in a slip and fall lawsuit, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. This usually involves showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, but failed to fix it or provide adequate warning. Your attorney will help gather evidence, such as medical records, photos of the dangerous condition, and witness statements, to build a strong case.

Do I need a lawyer for my slip and fall case?

While it’s possible to handle a slip and fall claim on your own, most personal injury lawyers recommend working with an experienced attorney. A slip and fall lawyer will know how to navigate the complexities of premises liability law, negotiate with the insurance company, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. Many law offices offer a free consultation, allowing you to discuss your case with no obligation.

What should I expect during the legal process?

Once you hire a personal injury attorney, they will begin investigating your case, gathering evidence, and determining the value of your claim. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement. If the insurance company does not offer adequate compensation, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to court. Throughout this process, your legal team will represent your best interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How do I get started with a slip and fall claim?

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident due to a property owner’s negligence, the first step is to schedule a no-obligation consultation with an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your fall case, ask any questions, and learn more about your legal options. Many law firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any fees unless you recover compensation.

If you have any further questions or need assistance with your fall claim, contact a trusted personal injury law firm today.

Get in Touch with a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Attorney

A negligent landowner who allows slip and fall injuries to happen on their property should be held liable for their negligence. However, proving that a defendant is at fault in trip and fall cases may be complicated. Fortunately, a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer is here to assist you.

A hardworking attorney could help you gather any evidence pertaining to your injuries, calculate how much you should be awarded, and act as a representative on your behalf in regard to settlement talks or court proceedings.

To find out more about the benefits of working with an attorney, schedule a consultation today.

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1700 Market St Suite 3150,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-7600