Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Don’t assume the accident was your fault or your injuries are not severe enough. Our slip and fall accident lawyers provide a free case evaluation and serve clients in Lawrence, Beaver, Butler, Mercer, and Allegheny Counties.

We can take property owners to task for:

• Slippery floors (no carpet as people tracked in snow, puddling from a produce department sprinkler)
• Construction defects/code violations (stairs, railings, uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting)
• Poor maintenance (torn carpet, broken steps, clearing snow and ice)
• Failure to warn (barriers, caution signs)

The burden is on the plaintiff to prove liability in a slip-and-fall accident, and comparative negligence of the victim can reduce any compensation. It takes skill to convince the insurance adjuster or a jury that the owner knew or should have known of the hazard. Our legal team at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George includes two board-certified civil trial lawyers who can advocate for your rights, whether on the negotiation table or in the courtroom. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.

Holding the right party accountable in a slip and fall accident is key to securing compensation. In Pennsylvania, property owners, businesses, and government entities have a duty to maintain safe premises. 

Property Owner Responsibility and Negligence

Property owners in Pennsylvania must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. Whether the accident occurs on private or commercial property, liability often depends on whether the owner failed to address hazardous conditions.

• Duty of Care: Property owners owe a duty of care to lawful visitors, including customers, tenants, and guests. This means they must take reasonable steps to prevent dangerous conditions.
• Breach of Duty: Negligence occurs when an owner fails to repair, warn about, or remove a hazard that could cause harm.
• Knowledge of Hazardous Conditions: Liability often depends on whether the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and had sufficient time to correct it.

If a property owner neglects these responsibilities, they may be held financially accountable for injuries that result from their inaction.

When Businesses and Employers Are Liable

Commercial establishments must take extra precautions to protect customers, employees, and visitors. Slip and fall accidents in stores, restaurants, or office buildings often result from preventable hazards.

• Employee Negligence: A business can be held responsible if its employees fail to clean spills, remove obstacles, or provide adequate warnings.
• Failure to Implement Safety Policies: Businesses must have proper safety procedures, including regular inspections and hazard reporting systems.
• Liability for Third-Party Contractors: If a cleaning or maintenance company contributed to the dangerous condition, both the business and the contractor could share liability.

Businesses are expected to address hazards promptly. Failing to do so can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

Liability in Public Property and Government-Owned Premises

Slip and fall accidents on public property, such as sidewalks, parks, and government buildings, involve different legal considerations. Unlike private owners, government agencies have legal protections that can make these claims more complex.

• Sovereign Immunity Limitations: Pennsylvania law limits lawsuits against government entities, but exceptions exist for premises liability cases involving negligence.
• Shorter Deadlines for Filing Claims: Claims against a government entity must be filed within a shorter timeframe compared to private lawsuits.
• Responsibility for Maintenance: Local, state, and federal agencies may be liable for failing to maintain safe walkways, stairwells, and other public spaces.

Because legal procedures for government liability differ from standard premises liability claims, it is important to act quickly and follow the correct legal process.

Proving Negligence in Slip and Fall Claims

Establishing negligence is critical in any slip and fall case. In Pennsylvania, the injured party must demonstrate that the property owner or responsible party failed to uphold their duty of care.

• Establishing Duty of Care: The first step in proving negligence is showing that the defendant owed a duty to maintain safe conditions.
• Demonstrating Breach of Duty: A successful claim requires evidence that the owner failed to correct or warn about a hazardous condition.
• Linking the Hazard to the Injury: The plaintiff must show that the hazardous condition directly caused their injuries and was not the result of another factor.

Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and photographs of the accident scene can strengthen a claim.

Holding negligent property owners accountable requires strong legal advocacy. Our skilled Pennsylvania slip and fall lawyers at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. understand premises liability laws and are dedicated to building compelling cases for our clients.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, contact us today at (724) 658-8535 to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

A slip and fall accident can lead to significant financial and personal hardships. Pennsylvania law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for their losses when property owner negligence is a contributing factor. 

Medical Expenses and Future Treatment Costs

Medical costs are one of the most immediate and significant expenses after a slip and fall accident. Compensation may cover both current and future medical expenses related to the injury.

• Emergency Treatment: Ambulance fees, emergency room visits, and initial medical evaluations can be included in a claim.
• Ongoing Medical Care: Compensation may extend to follow-up visits, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and necessary surgeries.
• Prescription Medications and Medical Equipment: Costs for pain management, assistive devices such as crutches or wheelchairs, and other prescribed treatments may be recoverable.
• Future Medical Needs: If the injury requires long-term care or ongoing medical treatment, estimated future medical expenses can be factored into a settlement or court award.

Proper documentation, including medical records and expert evaluations, helps demonstrate the full extent of these costs.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Serious injuries may prevent a person from working temporarily or even permanently. Compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity helps offset the financial burden of being unable to work.

• Lost Income During Recovery: If the injury causes a temporary inability to work, victims may recover wages lost during their recovery period.
• Reduced Earning Potential: When an injury leads to long-term or permanent disability, compensation may be sought for the difference between past earnings and new earning limitations.
• Job Retraining Costs: If a slip and fall injury prevents a victim from returning to their previous line of work, retraining expenses for a different career path may be included.

Victims who experience a long-term impact on their ability to earn a living should have their claim evaluated carefully to account for both current and future financial losses.

Pain and Suffering in Slip and Fall Cases

Beyond financial losses, a slip and fall injury can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. Pennsylvania law allows victims to seek compensation for these non-economic damages.

• Physical Pain and Discomfort: Injuries such as fractures, spinal damage, or soft tissue injuries may result in chronic pain or long-term discomfort.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a severe fall, affecting a person’s daily life and well-being.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If an injury limits a person’s ability to participate in hobbies, exercise, or everyday activities, compensation may be available for the diminished quality of life.

Because pain and suffering damages are subjective, legal arguments backed by medical records, testimony, and expert evaluations are often necessary to support a claim.

Punitive Damages in Severe Negligence Cases

Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where a property owner’s actions go beyond ordinary negligence. These damages serve as a form of punishment and a deterrent against reckless or intentional misconduct.

• Gross Negligence or Recklessness: If a property owner knew about a dangerous condition and ignored it, punitive damages may be considered.
• Intentional Misconduct: If an individual or business willfully created or concealed a hazard that led to an injury, courts may impose additional financial penalties.
• Violation of Safety Regulations: Repeated or blatant violations of safety codes may support a claim for punitive damages.

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case, but when they apply, they can significantly increase the total compensation amount.

Slip and fall injuries can lead to lasting consequences, both physically and financially. A Pennsylvania slip and fall lawyer from Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. can assess the full scope of damages available in your case and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered due to unsafe property conditions, contact us today to discuss your legal options.

Taking the right steps after a slip and fall accident can significantly impact a legal claim. Pennsylvania law allows injured individuals to seek compensation if negligence played a role, but proving liability requires strong evidence. Immediate actions can help protect both health and legal rights.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

After a slip and fall, prioritizing medical care is essential. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time. Seeking prompt medical evaluation establishes a record of the injuries and their connection to the accident.

• Emergency Care for Severe Injuries: If the fall results in head trauma, fractures, or other serious conditions, seeking emergency medical assistance is crucial.
• Medical Documentation: A physician’s report detailing injuries, treatment recommendations, and potential long-term effects serves as key evidence in a claim.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Continuing medical care as prescribed demonstrates the seriousness of the injuries and helps establish their impact on daily life.

Delaying medical treatment can not only worsen injuries but may also give insurance companies a reason to challenge the claim.

Documenting the Accident Scene and Gathering Evidence

Collecting evidence at the scene strengthens a legal claim by preserving proof of hazardous conditions before they are removed or repaired.

• Photographs and Videos: Taking clear images of the hazard, such as wet floors, uneven pavement, or poor lighting, helps demonstrate the cause of the accident.
• Witness Statements: Bystanders who saw the incident can provide statements supporting the victim’s account of what happened.
• Accident Location Details: Documenting the exact location and conditions, including weather or any lack of warning signs, can be useful in proving negligence.
• Personal Notes: Writing down what happened, including the time, date, and circumstances, ensures important details are not forgotten.

The more evidence gathered at the scene, the stronger the case will be when proving liability.

Reporting the Incident to the Property Owner or Manager

Notifying the property owner, business manager, or landlord about the accident creates an official record of the event. This step prevents the responsible party from later denying knowledge of the hazardous condition.

• Filing an Incident Report: Many businesses have formal procedures for documenting accidents. Requesting a copy of this report can be valuable in a claim.
• Speaking to the Right Person: If the accident occurs in a retail store, restaurant, or rental property, notifying a manager or landlord is necessary.
• Avoiding Admitting Fault: While reporting the incident, it is important to stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted.

Having an official report strengthens a claim by establishing that the accident was acknowledged at the time it occurred.