Slip-And-Fall Accidents In Pennsylvania Can Leave You Hurt And Uncertain
A sudden fall can leave you injured, out of work and unsure about who is accountable. At Rieders, Travis, Dohrmann, Mowrey, Humphrey & Waters, our lawyers bring their combined decades of personal injury experience, rigorous preparation and clear communication to slip-and-fall claims.
What Are The Common Causes Of Slip-And-Fall Accidents?
Owners and businesses must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. However, a fall alone does not establish negligence. A claim may depend on who created the danger, who knew about it and whether it was the cause of your injury.
Common causes include:
- Winter conditions: Packed snow, black ice, refrozen runoff, slick entryways
- Maintenance defects: Cracked pavement, deep potholes, loose railings, broken stair treads
- Retail dangers: Leaking coolers, greasy tiles, displaced mats, fallen merchandise
- Visibility failures: Dim lighting, hidden curbs, blocked sight lines, absent warning placards
- Worksite obstructions: Exposed cords, scattered debris, uneven ground, misplaced equipment
Photos, videos, repair logs and witness names may disappear quickly. Our attorneys can trace that proof, consult doctors when needed and explain each step in clear terms.
Pennsylvania Laws That Shape Slip-And-Fall Claims
Pennsylvania follows modified comparative negligence, so your share of the fault can affect both your right to recover and the value of your claim. You may recover if your fault is not greater than the fault assigned to the responsible parties. However, the court will reduce any award by your percentage of blame, and you cannot recover if you are more than 50% responsible.
Fault is only one part of the analysis. Timing also matters because most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the fall. A claim against a government unit may also require written notice within six months. A Pennsylvania slip-and-fall attorney can identify the applicable deadlines and preserve evidence before it disappears.
The condition that caused your fall can add another legal issue. The hills and ridges doctrine may apply during widespread snowy or icy conditions. Owners generally have a reasonable time after a storm to respond. Typically, you must show that natural snow or ice formed dangerous ridges or elevations, the owner had notice of it and the condition caused your fall. The doctrine may not apply when human activity or a property defect created the hazard.
Separate from the winter weather rule, an owner may argue that the open and obvious doctrine applies: The hazard was visibly apparent, making it avoidable. Whether that argument applies depends on what a reasonable visitor would have noticed and whether the owner still should have anticipated harm. If you establish liability, damages may include medical bills, lost income, pain and other proven losses.
Talk With Our Local Team About Your Fall
Our lawyers handle claims involving Williamsport slip-and-falls and other unsafe-property accidents across Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Call 570-796-7613 or send us a message to discuss your options with our team.