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Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall may sound like a minor incident, but in many cases, it’s anything but. It takes seconds to slip, but the harm and lingering consequences of your injuries may last a lifetime. If you’ve suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, the legal team at The Joel Bieber Firm can fight for justice and compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers today.
Understanding the Law Behind Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are only one type of accident that falls under premises liability law. Premises liability law kicks in when an unsafe or dangerous condition on a property owner’s premises has caused a victim harm.
Under premises liability laws, property owners owe visitors a duty of care to keep their property safe. The exact duty an owner owes their visitors depends on the legal status of the visitor. An individual on another’s property can either be deemed an invitee, a licensee, or a trespasser.
An invitee is invited onto another’s property for the benefit of the property owner or occupier. For instance, visitors at department stores, restaurants, or hotels would all be invitees. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care to either fix or provide clear warnings for potential hazards.
A licensee is permitted onto another’s property as a welcomed guest. For example, an individual visiting their friend’s home would be a licensee. Property owners owe licensees a duty to warn of any potential dangers they are aware of.
In contrast, a trespasser has not been given the property owner’s consent to be on their property. Property owners owe trespassers no duty, except to refrain from purposely injuring the trespasser.
If you suffer a slip and fall accident on someone’s property, one of the first steps is determining your legal status to decide what duty the property owner owed you. Invitees and licensees may have a valid claim to pursue compensation from property owners if they sustain injuries on their property.
Where Do Slip and Falls Happen?
Slip and fall accidents can happen just about anywhere, including:
- Shopping malls
- Department stores
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Hotels and resorts
- Airports
- Gas stations
- Construction sites
- Office buildings
- Apartment buildings
- Amusement parks
- Theaters
- Hospitals or medical facilities
- Someone’s home
Additionally, slip and falls do not only occur inside or on level, clean flooring. They can also occur in any of the following locations:
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Swimming pools
- Stairs
- Escalators
- Elevators
- Decks
If you suffer a slip and fall outside of your home for a reason outside of your control and sustain injuries, it’s best to discuss your situation with a qualified slip and fall attorney in Philadelphia.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Hearing the term “slip and fall” usually brings about thoughts of wet and slippery floors, but that’s not always the case. Slip and falls don’t always mean a victim slips; they could also trip or lose their balance.
Slip and fall accidents most often result from any of the following:
- Uneven surfaces
- Loose railings or banisters
- Wrinkled/lifted rugs or carpeting
- Inadequate lighting
- Snow or ice
- Broken flooring or steps
- Falling debris
If you suffer a fall on another’s property and sustain injuries, you may have a premises liability claim. Do not hesitate to speak to a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer for quality legal support.
Injuries Resulting from Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents often result in serious, life-threatening injuries. The type and severity of injuries depend on the fall and location, but common injuries include:
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
More serious injuries can require medical treatment and rehabilitation well into the future. Injuries from a slip and fall can take a toll on your life in the short and long term. Therefore, it’s wise to seek financial recovery for your harm and losses.
Pursuing Compensation After a Slip and Fall Accident in Philadelphia
A slip and fall attorney can provide direction concerning pursuing compensation for your injuries. This may include filing a claim with the property owner’s liability insurance or filing a premises liability lawsuit.
Aside from holding the responsible party accountable for your harm, taking action allows you to pursue damages. Damages compensate you for your physical and mental injuries and unfair financial losses.
The damages available to you depend on the specifics of your case, but could cover any of the following:
- Medical expenses for the present and future
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Inconvenience
Calculating the value of your case is one of the most important steps, as it helps determine what you’re owed for your injuries and other losses. You can rely on your Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer to do everything necessary to fiercely pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Advantages of Hiring a Slip and Fall Attorney
Hiring a slip and fall lawyer is one of the best decisions you could make for your case.
A slip and fall attorney has the knowledge and experience necessary to handle your claim from beginning to end and take all of the required steps to obtain the best outcome, including:
- Investigating your accident
- Determining cause and liability
- Gathering important evidence and documentation
- Interviewing witnesses
- Communicating with the opposing party
- Calculating the value of your losses
- Participating in settlement negotiations
- Representing your best interests
Allowing a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer to represent you gives you the peace of mind you need while you put all of your energy into your physical recovery.
Seek Legal Guidance from a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer
The Joel Bieber Law Firm has over 400 years of collective experience providing injured clients with the aggressive legal representation they need. There is nothing we want more than to pursue the most beneficial outcome for our clients and ensure at-fault parties pay for their wrongdoings.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a slip and fall accident, contact our firm to request a complimentary case review.
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