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Over one million people visit an ER each year in the United States due to a slip-and-fall. Although completely preventable, a slip-and-fall could leave someone with permanent disability or long-term consequences. Successful recovery will depend on you showing that another party’s negligence caused your fall. If you cannot demonstrate another person or business’s negligence, then you most likely do not have a slip-and-fall claim. Understanding your legal rights is key to protecting yourself, which is why you should speak with our Greensburg premises liability attorney.
Causes of Slip-and-Falls
A slip-and-fall can be caused by any of the following:
- Greasy or wet floor
- Cracked or broken step
- Buckling or torn carpet
- Loose floorboards
- Uneven flooring
- Loose mats
- Exposed wiring
- Potholes
Liability in a Pennsylvania Slip-and-Fall Case
A slip-and-fall can lead to serious injuries, especially in older adults. For adults 65 years of age and older, approximately one in five falls will result in a serious injury such as a traumatic brain injury or fracture. In Pennsylvania, property owners may be held liable for any injuries sustained by visitors if they failed to warn them of property defects or repair the hazardous condition.
The duty of care that the owner owed to you will depend on whether you are an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. Under Pennsylvania premises liability law, property owners owe invitees the highest level of care. Common examples of an invitee include a store customer, a hotel guest, or a contractor who is working at your home. A property owner or manager should inspect the property for potential hazards and warn an invitee of any known hazards.
The second highest duty of care is owed to licensees, or social guests. A licensee has permission to be on the property, although the individual may not necessarily have been invited. Common examples of a licensee include friends at a dinner, a neighbor stopping by, or a houseguest. However, no duty of care is owed to the third type category, trespassers. A trespasser is someone who enters the property without authorized permission.
If you are either an invitee or licensee and the property owner failed to uphold his or her duty of care, causing you harm, you may be entitled to compensation. Albeit, you must file your claim within two years of the incident or from when your injuries were discovered.
Obtaining Legal Representation in Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Given that a slip-and-fall can result in serious or catastrophic injuries and liability may be disputed, it is crucial that you speak with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer. Gathering the necessary evidence and information to prove liability can be time-consuming, making you reconsider pursuing compensation in the first place. At Stine & Associates, our Greensburg slip-and-fall lawyer knows what evidence to gather to streamline your claim and get you the compensation you need.
Our founding attorney, Attorney Cindy Stine, will assess your situation to determine what damages you may be eligible to recoup and the best approach to settling an insurance claim. If insurance negotiations stall or if a claims adjuster is unwilling to offer you fair compensation, Attorney Stine is not afraid to take your case to court.
Speak with Our Greensburg Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you have experienced lost wages, medical bills, or emotional damages after a slip-and-fall, do not hesitate to contact Stine & Associates, P.C. Our Greensburg premises liability attorney is dedicated to giving a voice to injured parties, making both businesses and individuals pay for their wrongdoing. To arrange your free consultation, our office can be reached online or by phone at (724) 837-0160 today.