Pennsylvania Premises Liability Lawyers

Common Types of Premises Liability Lawsuits in Pennsylvania

Sidewalk Fall Accident

Fall accidents on sidewalk can occur on walkways abutting private residences or public businesses. Injuries often include fractures, limb injuries, and back injuries. In some cases, head injuries can occur.

Slip & Fall at a Business

Slip and fall accidents on a business premises typically involve slipping on a liquid or other substance. Like sidewalk fall accidents, injuries include fractures, back injuries and head injuries.

Injury Due to Criminal Activity

Victims of crime may have legal rights against parties other than the perpetrator. Oftentimes, businesses such as shopping malls or landlords of apartment complexes may be held liable for failing to prevent or failing to warn folks of the risk of reasonably foreseeable criminal activity.

Liquor Liability (AKA Dram Shop Liability)

Bars, clubs and restaurants can be held liable for serving alcohol in violation of Pennsylvania’s liquor laws. These cases often involve drunk driving accidents and physical altercations like bar fights.

What You Have to Prove to Prevail

In order to prevail in a premises liability lawsuit, the plaintiff must show:

1. the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff,

2. the defendant breached that duty (i.e., was negligent),

3. the negligent conduct caused the injury, and

4. the plaintiff incurred damages.

Most premises liability cases, such as a trip and fall accident case, boil down to proving that the defendant had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition, or should known about it, prior to the incident. Therefore, it is vital to obtain evidence of the defective condition as soon as practically possible after the incident. Time is of the essence.

For example, a customer is walking on the sidewalk in front of a large chain grocery store in Philadelphia and trips over a large crack in the sidewalk. The customer falls and breaks their ankle. To succeed in a lawsuit against the store, the plaintiff must be able to demonstrate the condition of the cracked sidewalk at the time of the incident. Pictures taken the day of the incident or shortly afterwards would be the best evidence.

Financial Compensation for Injuries in Premises Liability Lawsuits

In premises liability cases, such as slip and fall accidents, injuries may be serious and often involve multiple types of injuries like head injuries and fractures. In cases of serious injury, medical bills and the inability to work often lead to severe financial strain. In critical injury situations, the individual may become permanently disabled.

Pennsylvania personal injury law allows injured individuals to seek compensation from negligent parties. The most common claims are for:

• medical bills,
• lost wages,
• out of pocket expenses, and
• pain and suffering.