Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents can be extremely frustrating for victims who are struggling to cope with injuries that never would have happened if it weren’t for someone else’s carelessness. One minute you could be shopping in a store or standing in line at your favorite restaurant, and in an instant, your life could change over a hazard that should have been taken care of.

The Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. are dedicated to protecting the rights of the injured in Philly. When we hold negligent property owners and operators accountable, it helps keep our city a safer place for all of us. Let us fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve.

Get your free consultation by calling us today or filling out our online contact form. A member of our team will be available 24/7. We will listen to the details of your accident and its impact on your life.

Slip And Fall Injuries in Pennsylvania – What Statistics Show?

As Philadelphia personal injury lawyers, we have seen firsthand how common slip and fall accidents are in Pennsylvania. Slip and fall accident statistics in Pennsylvania highlight the prevalence, impact, and risks of these incidents on injury victims. Here are some key statistics that slip and fall accident victims should be aware of:

• Frequency: According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among Pennsylvanians aged 25 and older, with an average of over 1,200 fall-related hospitalizations per week.
• Age-related risks: Older Pennsylvanians are at a higher risk of suffering serious injuries from slip and fall accidents. In 2019, falls were the leading cause of death due to unintentional injury among Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older.
• Workplace accidents: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2019, slips, trips, and falls accounted for 27% of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work in Pennsylvania.
• Economic impact: The Pennsylvania Department of Health estimates that the total charges for fall-related hospitalizations in the state exceed $2 billion annually.
• Common locations: Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, including private residences, workplaces, retail stores, sidewalks, and nursing homes. In Pennsylvania, a significant portion of slip and fall accidents occur due to hazardous conditions on public and private properties.
• Injury types: Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises and cuts to severe fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries. In Pennsylvania, the most common fall-related injuries requiring hospitalization include hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and upper extremity fractures.
• Seasonal risks: Pennsylvania’s winter weather conditions, such as snow and ice accumulation, can significantly increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. Property owners have a legal duty to remove or treat dangerous hazards within a reasonable timeframe to prevent accidents.

These statistics underscore the seriousness of slip and fall accidents in Pennsylvania and the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable for failing to maintain safe premises. By working with a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney, injury victims can seek the compensation they need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.

How Do You Know if You Have a Valid Philadelphia Slip and Fall Claim?

What qualifies as a slip and fall and how do you know if you have a valid claim? To determine if you have a valid slip and fall claim in Philadelphia, you should consider the following factors:

• The existence of a hazardous condition: There must have been a dangerous or hazardous condition on the property that caused your slip and fall accident. Examples include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or debris on the ground.
• The property owner’s negligence: You must be able to demonstrate that the property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to address it. This can be proven by showing that the hazard existed for an extended period, the owner had been notified of the issue, or the hazard was a recurring problem.
• The hazardous condition caused your injuries: There must be a link between the dangerous condition and the injuries you sustained. You will need to provide medical evidence, such as hospital records and doctor’s notes, to support this connection.
• You were not trespassing: To have a valid claim, you must have been lawfully on the property at the time of the accident. This means you were an invitee (e.g., a customer in a store) or a licensee (e.g., a guest at a private residence).
• You were not primarily at fault: Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, so if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. However, if you are 50% or less at fault, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If your slip and fall accident meets these criteria, you may have a valid claim. However, consult with an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney who can evaluate your case’s specific details and advise you on the best course of action. Your attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related expenses.

How a Philadelphia Slip And Fall Attorney Can Help You Navigate the Claims Process

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia, navigating the claims process can be overwhelming and challenging, especially while you’re trying to recover from your injuries. Hiring an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can provide you with the guidance, support, and legal help you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Your slip and fall attorney will begin by thoroughly investigating your claim, gathering evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and security camera footage. We will also assess the liability of the property owner or manager and determine whether they breached their duty of care; then we will use this information to prove your case on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.

Throughout the claims process, your Philadelphia slip and fall attorney will handle all legal communication and paperwork, ensuring that your claim is filed correctly and on time. We will also advise you on your legal rights and options, and help you make informed decisions about your case. With the help of a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney, you can focus on your recovery while knowing your legal interests are being protected.

• Read more about what you need to know about slip and falls.

 

Slip and Fall Victim Rights in Philadelphia – What Can You Do?

As a slip and fall victim in Philadelphia, you have the right to take legal action against the property owner or manager responsible for your injuries. Here is what you can do to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve:

• Seek medical attention: Seek medical treatment for your injuries right away, and follow your doctor’s instructions for care and recovery.
• Report the accident: Notify the property owner or manager about the accident. If the incident occurred in a business, such as a store or restaurant, ask to fill out an incident report.
• Gather evidence: If you can, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall, as well as any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Keep records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospital bills, medication costs, and therapy expenses. Also, document any lost wages due to missed work.
• Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies: If you are contacted by the property owner’s insurance company, be careful when providing statements or signing documents. It’s best to consult with a slip and fall attorney before agreeing to anything.
• Consult with a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney: Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can handle communication with insurance companies and negotiate on your behalf.
• File a claim: Your slip and fall attorney can help you take legal action against the property owner or manager. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you at trial.

Remember, in Pennsylvania, you generally have two years to file a slip and fall lawsuit. However, it’s essential to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights. By consulting with a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney as soon as possible, your attorney can get started building your case to secure the compensation you need to move forward after a serious accident.

What Are the Slip and Fall Laws in PA?

In Pennsylvania, slip and fall cases are governed by the principles of negligence and premises liability. Property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any known hazards.

Pennsylvania also follows the doctrine of comparative negligence, which means that if the plaintiff is found to be partially responsible for the accident, their recoverable damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault, they won’t be able to recover any damages.

Additionally, Pennsylvania has specific laws and regulations that may apply to slip and fall cases, such as:

• The Hills and Ridges Doctrine: This rule applies to cases involving snow and ice accumulation and requires plaintiffs to prove that the accumulation was a result of the property owner’s negligence and not a natural occurrence.
• The Restatement (Second) of Torts, Section 343: This section outlines the duties of property owners to invitees and requires owners to protect invitees from known or discoverable dangers.
• Local building codes and ordinances: These codes may establish specific safety requirements for properties and can be used to demonstrate a property owner’s negligence.

To navigate these complex laws and build a slip and fall case, work with an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney who can investigate your claim, gather evidence, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.

How Long Does it Take to Settle a Slip And Fall Case in PA?

The time it takes to settle a slip and fall case in Pennsylvania can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and more. A slip and fall case in Pennsylvania can take anywhere from several months to a few years to settle.

When There Is Clear Liability and Minor Injuries

If the liability is clear and the injuries are relatively minor, the case may be resolved through negotiations with the insurance company within a few months. However, if the liability is disputed or the injuries are severe, the case may take longer to settle, as more time will be needed to gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case.

When a Settlement Agreement Can’t Be Reached

If the parties are unable to reach a settlement agreement, the case may proceed to litigation. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the incident. Once the lawsuit is filed, the discovery process begins, which can take months or more depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. If the case goes to trial, it can take even longer to reach a resolution.

However, it’s important to note that most slip and fall cases in Pennsylvania settle before going to trial, as both parties often prefer to avoid the time, expense, and uncertainty of a trial. An experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney can negotiate a fair settlement and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Get Legal Help From a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia, don’t wait to seek the legal help you need. The slip and fall attorneys at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. are here to help you move forward from your injuries.

Our team has a deep understanding of Pennsylvania’s slip and fall laws and a proven track record of success in handling these cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Don’t let a slip and fall accident derail your life – contact Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. today or reach out to us online to schedule your free consultation with a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer.