Pottsville Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys
Whether it be the result of 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 that 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 owners or occupants of property 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 that occur.
In filing a premises liability suit, the victim is stating that the property owner knew or should have been aware of the dangerous condition but failed to fix it.
Duty of Care Owed in Pottsville 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 possessor owed you a duty of care.
The duty of care that a property owner, property manager, or occupant will owe a person who enters the property will depend on whether the individual is an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
Trespasser
A trespasser is defined as someone who enters or remains on land without the property owner’s consent or having privileges to the property. Even if you are a trespasser, Pennsylvania law places a duty on the property owner to refrain from reckless or wanton misconduct. A property owner will be responsible for injuries to a trespasser if the property owner knows or had reason to know of the trespasser’s presence but acted with indifference 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 if the licensee did not have a reason to be aware of the danger.
Invitee
An invitee is a person who is on land that is open to the public, or a person 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 Pottsville 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 a 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, the attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., have 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.