A slip and fall accident can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and time away from work. If you were hurt in a fall at a business in Lansdowne, PA, you may be able to sue, but only if the business owner’s negligence caused your fall.
Property owners and businesses in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so, and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially responsible. But proving negligence in a slip and fall case isn’t always simple. You need to show that the business knew or should have known about the hazard that caused your fall and did nothing to fix it. That’s where local slip and fall attorneys at Silver & Silver can help.
When Can You Sue for a Slip and Fall in Lansdowne?
Not every fall at a business leads to a lawsuit. Pennsylvania law requires proving that the business owner was negligent in maintaining the property. That means showing:
- A dangerous condition existed, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways.
- The business owner knew (or should have known) about the hazard: If employees ignored a spill for hours or the business failed to fix a broken step that had been a problem for weeks, liability is clearer.
- You were injured as a result: A slip and fall case isn’t about what could have happened. You need evidence of an actual injury, such as medical records documenting a sprained ankle, broken wrist, or concussion.
Many slip and fall accidents happen in grocery stores, restaurants, retail shops, and parking lots. A common scenario is slipping on a wet floor without a warning sign or tripping over an uneven sidewalk outside a business. If the business owner’s negligence caused your injuries, slip and fall lawyers can help you pursue compensation.
What If the Business Blames You?
Business owners and their insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto the injured person. They may argue that:
- The hazard was obvious, and you should have avoided it
- You were distracted (looking at your phone or not watching where you were walking)
- You were wearing inappropriate footwear for the conditions
Even if the business makes these claims, you may still have a case. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful slip and fall claim can help cover:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and surgery costs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover lost income and possibly future income.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of your fall to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you lose your right to seek compensation.
Acting quickly has benefits beyond meeting deadlines. The sooner you get started, the easier it is to gather evidence, such as security camera footage, witness statements, and maintenance records that could support your claim.
Talk to a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Lansdowne Today
If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident at a business in Lansdowne, PA, don’t wait to get legal advice. The sooner you speak with slip and fall accident attorneys, the better your chances of building a strong case. Contact Silver & Silver today for a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
