Abington Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
Slip and fall accidents occur without warning and often lead to injuries that disrupt daily life and personal well-being. No matter where these accidents happen, the injuries may result in lost wages, mounting medical bills, and prolonged physical discomfort.
At McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC, our Abington slip and fall accident lawyers provide legal representation to clients injured by hazardous conditions on another party’s property. We understand the risks posed by wet floors, broken handrails, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting. Our legal team evaluates each case carefully and builds arguments based on liability, evidence, and state premises liability law.
What Conditions Commonly Lead to Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can result from numerous unsafe conditions that property owners have a duty to address. In commercial settings, unattended spills, slippery entryways from bad weather, or poorly maintained flooring are often contributing factors. In residential areas, cracked sidewalks, loose carpeting, broken handrails, or icy steps may increase the risk of injury. Failing to address these risks can lead to injuries like broken bones, back injuries, or head trauma.
Liability arises when property owners or managers knew about, or reasonably should have known about, a dangerous condition and did not correct it within a reasonable timeframe. Each case is fact-specific and depends on the location of the fall, the cause of the hazard, and the length of time it existed before the incident.
How Is Liability Determined in a Slip and Fall Case?
To hold a property owner legally responsible for a slip and fall injury, our Abington slip and fall accident lawyers must demonstrate that negligence occurred. This typically involves showing that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner or responsible party had actual or constructive notice of the hazard, and that they failed to take reasonable steps to address it.
Constructive notice means that the condition existed long enough that the owner should have known about it. That can be supported by evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, witness testimony, and photographs. The specific duty owed may vary depending on whether the injured person was a business invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
What Damages May Be Recovered After a Slip and Fall Injury?
An individual injured in a slip and fall accident may be eligible to recover compensation for a range of losses. Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, physical therapy, and future care needs, can be claimed. Lost income due to time away from work may also be recoverable, as well as loss of future earning capacity if the injury leads to long-term limitations.
In addition, compensation may be sought for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The specific amount depends on the severity of the injury, its impact on daily activities, and the circumstances surrounding the fall. A thorough evaluation of medical records, employment documentation, and testimony can establish the full extent of these damages.
Are Slip and Fall Claims Treated Differently in Commercial and Residential Settings?
While the legal standards for proving negligence are similar, slip and fall claims in commercial and residential settings may involve different considerations. Businesses open to the public typically owe a higher duty of care to customers, including regular inspections and prompt maintenance. Residential landlords may be responsible for maintaining common areas but not necessarily the interiors of tenants’ units unless otherwise stated in a lease or agreement.
Determining whether a landlord, store manager, property management company, or contractor bears responsibility involves examining lease terms, property maintenance records, and the exact location where the injury occurred. Comparative fault laws may also apply if the injured individual is found to have contributed to the fall.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a slip and fall lawsuit, is generally two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline can bar the injured person from pursuing compensation through the court system. However, there may be limited exceptions depending on the facts of the case. For example, if the injured person is a minor or mentally incapacitated, the time to file may be extended. It is important to contact our Abington slip and fall accident lawyers as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines and to preserve valuable evidence.
How Do Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Build a Strong Case?
Our Abington slip and fall accident lawyers begin by investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. This includes gathering photographs, incident reports, maintenance records, witness accounts, and medical records. We review whether proper warning signs were displayed, if inspections were conducted, and whether the hazard was reasonably foreseeable.
In some cases, expert analysis of building codes or industry safety standards may be used to establish that the condition violated expected practices. By constructing a detailed timeline and identifying key witnesses, our trusted legal team works to hold negligent property owners accountable under applicable premises liability laws.
Is Comparative Negligence a Factor in Slip and Fall Cases?
Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence model. This means that if an injured party is partially responsible for their fall, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their percentage of fault. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% responsible, recovery may be barred entirely.
Factors considered include whether the individual was distracted, wearing appropriate footwear, or disregarding warning signs. Our Abington slip and fall accident lawyers review all contributing elements to evaluate how comparative negligence might influence the outcome of a case.
Skilled Abington Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Will Assess Your Case and Fight to Get You the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured because of hazardous conditions on someone else’s property, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. The experienced Abington slip and fall accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC are available to assess the circumstances of your case and provide tailored legal support. For a free consultation, call our Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware offices at 215-569-8488 or contact us online. We proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.