Slip and fall injuries can occur in various situations and can have catastrophic results. When the negligence of others has led directly to your slip and fall, you may have a claim for damages related to your injuries.
In many cases, employers, retail establishments, or property owners may be liable for any harm that comes from unsafe conditions. When these situations occur, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries in a slip or fall, you may want to contact an experienced attorney for guidance and advice. A Reading slip and fall lawyer may be able to represent you in a claim seeking compensation for injuries due to a tripping and falling accident.
Sources of Slip and Fall Cases
Premises liability cases are those in which individuals sustain injuries from slipping, tripping, or falling because of some hazard present on the property of others. These injuries can occur when an individual visits a public place—such as a restaurant, hotel, or store—or when they enter private property as an invited guest. In either situation, the property’s owner or manager may be liable for any injuries to individuals who are lawfully on their grounds.
Courts consider various factors in determining if property owners are liable for slip and fall injuries that occur on their property. Some of these factors may include:
- The extent and duration of the knowledge the property owner has about the hazardous condition on their property
- Whether the property owner took the needed steps to rectify the dangerous situation
- The likelihood that the dangerous condition could cause injuries to others
- Whether the property owner issued verbal warnings or posted signs or other warnings the hazardous condition
Slips and trips can happen in various situations, such as floors made slippery by ice, snow, or spills. Individuals may also trip on stairs with broken steps, wobbly or missing handrails, unsecured floor mats, damaged flooring, or a lack of non-slip surfaces. In Pennsylvania, slip and fall lawsuits allow injured parties to seek compensation for these incidents. A Reading slip and fall attorney can provide legal guidance and help build a strong case for those pursuing claims.
Statute of Limitations in Slip and Fall Claims
All states have statutes of limitations during which individuals must file civil claims. According to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524, injury victims typically must file their claims for compensation against all parties within two years of the date of the incident.
In some cases, however, there may be exceptions to this general rule. For instance, if one of the potentially liable parties is a government entity, injured victims may be required to file a notice of intent to file suit within six months of the date of the accident. Other exceptions may extend or limit the statute of limitations in a slip and fall case, as well, depending on the situation.
Abiding by the statute of limitations can be essential, as waiting until the statute of limitations has passed may eliminate the ability of victims to recover damages for their injuries. A Reading lawyer with experience in slip and fall cases may be able to assess a potential claim for damages and determine the applicable statute of limitations to follow.
Call a Reading Slip and Fall Attorney for Help
Injuries sustained in a slip and fall case can range from minor bumps and bruises to broken bones, severe back and neck injuries, or even traumatic brain damage. As a result of these injuries, you may accumulate high medical bills, lost wages, and other significant expenses.
Seeking compensation with the help of a Reading slip and fall lawyer may be crucial in this situation. To learn more about your legal options, call today to set up an initial consultation.