We Handle Slip & Fall Accidents
Whether caused by a loose floorboard, a wet floor, or an icy sidewalk, a slip-and-fall accident often results in devastating injuries.
To recover compensation for slip and fall accidents in Pennsylvania, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. Our Pottsville slip and fall accident attorneys know the hardship you may face following such an accident. We are prepared to help you fight for just compensation.
Premises Liability in General
Premises liability is a legal principle that states that property owners or occupants owe visitors a duty to keep the property safe. If a property owner or manager fails to keep the property free of hazards, he or she can be held legally responsible for any injuries or accidents.
In filing a premises liability suit, the victim states that the property owner knew or should have been aware of the dangerous condition but failed to fix it.
Duty of Care in Premises Liability Cases
Anyone can file a lawsuit for injuries sustained due to a slip and fall. To receive compensation for a slip and fall or premises liability case, you must demonstrate that the property owner owed you a duty of care.
The duty of care that a property owner, manager, or occupant owes to a person who enters the property depends on whether the individual is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
Trespasser
A trespasser is someone who enters or remains on land without the property owner’s consent or without having the property owner’s permission. Pennsylvania law obligates the property owner to refrain from reckless or wanton misconduct, even if you are a trespasser. A property owner will be responsible for injuries to a trespasser if the owner knows or had reason to know of the trespasser’s presence but acted indifferently to the trespasser’s safety.
Licensee
A licensee is any person who has the owner’s consent to enter or remain on the premises. An example is when a property owner has friends at his/her house. The property owner will only be liable for a licensee’s injuries if the owner knew or should have known of any property defects, failed to make the property safe or warn the licensee of the risk, and did not have a reason to be aware of the danger.
Invitee
An invitee is a person on land open to the public or on land for a purpose related to the property owner’s business. For example, someone visiting a grocery store or restaurant is an invitee. Under Pennsylvania law, a property owner or possessor must protect invitees against known dangers and any dangers that should be discovered with reasonable care.
Speak with Our Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
There is no telling where a slip-and-fall accident may occur. Whether it be at the grocery store, mall, gym, parking garage, or restaurant, the injuries you may endure can affect your ability to earn a living or even to take care of your basic needs.
With over 100 years of combined experience, our firm has been helping slip and fall injury victims secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today online or by calling 570-622-2455 to schedule your free consultation. Evening and weekend appointments are available.