Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Claim in Pennsylvania?

Who is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Claim in Pennsylvania?

Slips, trips, and falls can result in serious injuries that can lead to permanent
impairments.  Some individuals require months of physical therapy before they can return to work and normal daily activities. Some people who fall may not be able to return to work because of
their injuries.

For individuals who sustain severe injuries, it is crucial that they identify who is
responsible and liable for their injuries to recover compensation for their
damages. They must have evidence proving fault and liability, including proving
all four elements of negligence. An Erie slip and fall accident attorney can help.

Who is Liable for a Slip and Fall Accident in Pennsylvania?

Property owners can be liable for injuries that result on their property under certain
circumstances. This liability can extend to homeowners, retail property owners,
government entities, landlords, and commercial property owners. Determining
whether a property owner is liable for injuries requires a careful analysis of
the situation that led to the injuries.

Property owners can be held liable for injuries if the property owner:

  • Created a dangerous or hazardous condition, but failed to warn guests and visits of the danger or hazard;
  • Was aware of a condition on the property that could result in an injury, but did nothing to change or correct the condition; or,
  • Should have reasonably known about or discovered a condition on the property that could result in an injury to others.

Attorneys investigate accident claims and gather evidence to prove one of the above three situations. Proving Liability for a slip and fall claim can be difficult and challenging. However, when you are dealing with the idea of “reasonable,” it can be even more challenging to prove liability in a premises liability case.

What is “Reasonable” for a Property Owner?

How do you prove that someone knew or should have known based on a fictitious “reasonable”
person? That is a difficult question in some cases. The “reasonable person”
standard is based on what a typical careful, prudent person of normal
intelligence and abilities would have known or should have known given the same
or similar circumstances. A jury must determine what is considered “reasonable”
when deciding whether a property owner should have known or should have
discovered that a dangerous condition existed on the property. In many cases,
it comes down to a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney using the
evidence in the case to convince jurors that, as reasonable persons themselves,
they would have known about or discovered the danger and took steps to prevent injury
to others.

Contact an Erie Slip and Fall Attorney for More Information

Premises liability cases, including slip and fall accidents, can arise from a variety of
situations. Slips and falls are common reasons for a premises liability claim.
However, there are many other ways to be injured other than falling. Premises
liability covers almost all injuries incurred while on another person’s
property that arises from dangerous or hazardous conditions on the property.

If you have been injured while on another party’s property, it is wise to speak with an
Erie premises liability lawyer. An attorney can review the circumstances of the
accident to determine whether the property owner might be liable for your
damages.

Contact The Travis Law Firm by calling (800)
401-2066
to schedule a free legal consultation with an Erie slip and fall accident attorney.