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 trip and fall accidents are in Pennsylvania. Trip 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 trip 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: Trip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, including private residences, workplaces, retail stores, sidewalks, and nursing homes. In Pennsylvania, a significant portion of trip and fall accidents occur due to hazardous conditions on public and private properties.
- Injury types: Trip 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 trip 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 an experienced 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 trip 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 fall. Examples include uneven surfaces, wet or slippery floors, debris on the ground, or poor lighting.
- 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 over 50% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. However, if you are less than 50% at fault, your recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
If your 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 trip 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 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 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.
Slip and Fall Victim Rights in Philadelphia – What Can You Do?
As a 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 an experienced attorney before agreeing to anything.
- Consult with a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney : Contact an experienced 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 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 trip 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, trip 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 trip 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.
Most Common Mistakes in Slip and Fall Claims
- Not reporting the accident immediately
- Failing to seek prompt medical attention
- Not documenting the scene and the injury
- Ignoring doctor’s orders for follow-up care
- Discussing the accident on social media
- Waiting too long to file a claim
- Admitting fault or apologizing
- Not gathering witness information
- Assuming minor injuries don’t need documentation
- Attempting a quick settlement offer
- Misunderstanding insurance coverage
- Overlooking pain and suffering
- Failing to identify all liable parties
- Providing recorded statements without legal guidance
Our back injury lawyers in Philadelphia can advise you and help you avoid these common mistakes that can affect your ability to receive compensation.
It’s important to remember that any time you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, there are some steps you need to take if you hope to have a valid case. And although these are commonly known as slip and fall cases, they can involve any type of injury that occurs on another person’s property, which is why they are more accurately called premises liability cases. If you fell down in a department store because the floor was wet, you received burns from hot coffee at a restaurant, or a stack of boxes fell on you in an office, these are all examples of premises liability cases, and you could be entitled to compensation even if your injuries are minor.
The first thing you should do is report what happened. Speak to the owner or the manager of the building where you were injured. During this conversation, avoid discussing fault, and don’t allow it to be recorded without a lawyer present. You should also avoid signing any documents until you speak to an attorney. Instead, request the manager’s email address so you can send them an email that will serve as evidence of what occurred and when and where it happened. You can also speak with any witnesses who were nearby and request their contact information. This is a good time to take some pictures of the hazard that injured you. Any documentation or photos you can collect immediately after the incident will serve as valuable evidence in any future litigation.
Your next step is getting treated by a doctor. In a premises liability case, you must prove that you were injured and that another person bears direct responsibility for those injuries. Your medical records will serve as documentation of your injuries and will be a big part of proving your case and receiving monetary damages. This is also a great time to speak with an attorney. You can even call from the waiting room so you will know how to handle the doctor’s visit. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the better it will be for your claim. As you begin your recovery process, be sure to follow all doctor’s orders for follow-up treatment, mental health treatment, or anything else they recommend.
With the advice of our brain injury lawyers in Philadelphia, you will be in the best possible position to get justice.
Once you have a lawyer advising you, you can find out more about how to make a claim and receive damages. They can tell you more about how to document your ongoing recovery, as well as your pain and mental trauma so you can maximize your compensation. They can help you identify all parties that could bear responsibility for what happened. They can speak to insurance companies on your behalf, and most importantly, protect your rights throughout the process and represent you in court if necessary.
In many cases, the defendant or their insurer may contact you soon after the incident and offer you a settlement. Resist accepting the settlement without talking to your attorney first, even if it seems like a good offer. Tell them you will get back to them and allow your legal counsel to handle all future communications.
Finally, know that there is a statute of limitations that applies to all personal injury cases, including premises liability. If you were injured on another person’s property as a result of their negligence, you generally have two years to initiate the process before you will lose your right to receive damages. Don’t let justice slip through your fingers; speak to our attorneys, document your trauma, and start your litigation as soon as possible.
Get in touch with us right away to find bone fracture attorneys in Philadelphia or to get justice for any other cases involving personal injuries.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Slip and Fall Case in PA?
The time it takes to settle a trip 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 to file a slip and fall lawsuit is usually 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 trip 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 trip 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 pay us any legal fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.
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 trip 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.
