Slip & Fall
Slip, trip and fall accidents injure millions of people every year. Approximately 17,000 will die as a result of their injuries and several hundred thousand more will suffer permanent disability.
There is a reason for every fall. It may be the result of a wet floor, cracks in the sidewalk, uneven or poorly designed steps, steps in disrepair, lack of a handrail, hidden defects in the ground, improperly placed signage, black ice, improper snow removal from parking lots and sidewalks, unsafe walkways, unsafe doors, building defects, water drainage defects, inadequate lighting and unsafe working conditions or construction accidents (roof, scaffold, ladder).
Pennsylvania law requires that businesses and homeowners keep their property safe for others. If a person or business fails to keep its property safe, a claim for negligence may be made against the property owner, the tenant, the maintenance company or the state agency for its negligence.
Claims against a government agency have special rules that apply. Our office has successfully handled a multitude of cases against businesses, homeowners and municipalities for these exact issues.
Since the person who suffered in the slip, trip or fall is usually the only witness to the incident, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible, as soon as possible, after the incident occurs.
If you are involved in a slip, trip or fall, you need to take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Seek medical treatment
- Take photographs of the incident scene (your chances of success increase dramatically if you are able to show pictures of a dangerous condition)
- Notify the owner or manager of the property (if you are asked to fill out an incident report, describe the incident as best as you can, noting any witnesses).
- Contact your attorney
Our firm is experienced in handling slip, trip and fall accidents. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a slip and fall accident, contact us today for your free consultation.