How Bad Does A Slip-And-Fall Get?
It might not seem like a big thing to slip in a store. It’s embarrassing, sure. A little painful, yes. But that pain will go away – unless it doesn’t. In which case, you’re in a very difficult position.
At Hadeed Law, attorney Samir Hadeed understands the struggle of dealing with personal injuries. The fact is that a slip-and-fall injury can be serious and even come with lifelong consequences. People across Pittsburgh may not take it seriously at first, but that can become a mistake for them both medically and legally.
What Causes Slip-And-Fall Mishaps?
Slip-and-fall injuries are uniquely dangerous because they don’t seem so bad at first. It can take some time for the full impact of the injury to become apparent to you. And, you might have thought that the accident itself couldn’t have been that bad because you had only just:
- Tripped over an object on the floor
- Slipped on an icy sidewalk
- Lost footing on a recently mopped grocery store aisle
- Fallen into a hole you didn’t see
The thing is, while all these sound like different hazards or different reasons for your injury, they’re not. They are all examples of property owners not following through with their duty to keep their premises safe.
When a property owner does not take the steps to keep their visitors safe from falls and injuries, they are liable for damages. Attorney Hadeed will help you take on this problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Slip-And-Fall Cases
Here are answers to common questions about slip-and-fall accidents and legal claims in Pennsylvania:
What evidence do you need for a slip-and-fall case?
Several types of evidence can significantly strengthen your slip-and-fall case:
- Photographs of the accident scene capturing the hazardous condition, warning signs and surrounding area lighting
- Witness statements providing independent verification of the incident and conditions present at the time
- Medical records establishing the direct connection between your accident and the resulting injuries
- Incident reports filed with the property owner or management company documenting the circumstances
- Maintenance records showing whether the property owner knew about the dangerous condition
Seek immediate medical attention and maintain detailed documentation of all treatments to prove the severity of your injuries and ongoing medical needs resulting from the fall.
How do I determine liability in a slip-and-fall case?
Pennsylvania courts examine several key factors when determining liability in premises liability cases. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors and warn of known hazards that cannot be immediately remedied.
The status of the injured person affects the level of care owed by the property owner. Invitees, such as customers in stores, receive the highest level of protection, while licensees and trespassers receive different levels of legal consideration.
Courts also evaluate whether the property owner had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition.
Can I file a slip-and-fall case if it happened on government property?
Claims against government entities involve special procedures and shorter deadlines that differ significantly from typical personal injury cases. Pennsylvania’s Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act governs these situations and requires strict compliance with notice requirements.
You typically have six months to provide written notice to the appropriate government entity describing your injury and the circumstances surrounding your accident. This notice requirement applies to municipalities, counties, school districts and other government entities.
Government immunity laws may limit recovery in certain situations, but exceptions exist for dangerous conditions on government property.
Why should I talk to a lawyer about a slip-and-fall accident claim?
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney provides significant advantages when pursuing slip-and-fall claims. Insurance companies often dispute liability and minimize injury severity.
Attorneys understand how to investigate accidents thoroughly, preserve crucial evidence and work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries. They also handle complex negotiations with insurance companies and can take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation.
Get A Free Consultation From Samir Hadeed In Pittsburgh
Attorney Samir Hadeed has experience in Pennsylvania courts fighting for the compensation his clients deserve. He is a compassionate listener and a zealous advocate. Contact him by phone at 412-643-0768 or send him an email to get started.