Philadelphia, full of historic charm, also offers a vibrant and young city life. Residents and tourists alike enjoy strolling through the picturesque neighborhoods. However, between the city’s bustling streets and unpredictable weather conditions, slip-and-fall accidents are a common occurrence. As a resident of Philadelphia, it’s essential to know your rights and responsibilities when it comes to a slip and fall accident.
Proudly serving the people of Philadelphia and beyond, the experienced personal injury team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. has dedicated its entire practice to serving victims of injuries across Pennsylvania. Whether you were injured in a Philadelphia slip-and-fall accident, a slip-and-fall accident at the workplace, or a fall at work, our team is ready to help. Backed by over 42 years of experience, we are ready to start fighting for you today.
Understanding Liability
Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere – public sidewalks, stores, private residences, and workplaces. Pennsylvania law establishes a legal obligation on the property owner’s part to maintain safe premises and prevent foreseeable hazards. This involves regularly inspecting and promptly addressing potential dangers. Property owners can range from private individuals to corporations, employers, and even the government. Determining liability can be tricky given how many different parties can be liable for a slip and fall accident. Moreover, more than one party can be liable for a singular incident. Establishing liability is complex, and consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is vital to pinpoint those who failed to meet these vital legal safety standards and hold them accountable.
Documenting the Incident
Whether you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, making a case for worker’s compensation benefits, or both, documentation is essential. While your first priority, in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident, is seeking prompt attention for any injuries, your second needs to be documenting what occurred. When possible, it’s beneficial to photograph the scene of your slip and fall to demonstrate the hazardous conditions, note the date and time, and collect contact information for any witnesses. Moreover, maintaining records of any medical treatment and communication regarding the slip and fall accident can be crucial to building a strong case for compensation.
Pennsylvania’s Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania law sets forth a time limit for filing a personal injury claim or seeking workers’ compensation benefits, known as a statute of limitations. For personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, you have two years from the date of the accident or the date your injuries became apparent, and for workers’ compensation claims, you have three years. If the statute of limitations lapses, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Therefore, time is of the essence, and the faster you contact an attorney, the more time you have to collect evidence and build a strong case.
Comparative Negligence
Pennsylvania operates under a modified comparative negligence standard. This means that if your conduct contributed to the accident by any percentage, your compensation will be reduced by that percentage. For example, if a court determines that you were 20% at fault for your slip and fall accident, and the property owner bears 80% of the fault, you can only collect 80% of the value of your case. Moreover, if you were more than 51% at fault, you cannot collect under Pennsylvania law. Workers’ compensation, on the other hand, works on a no-fault system, meaning you are eligible for benefits regardless of whether or how much you were at fault. Understanding how comparative negligence applies to your case is crucial, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate this complex area of law.
Consulting a Personal Injury Attorney: Larry Pitt & Associates, Fighting for Injury Victims in Philadelphia and Beyond. We Won’t Quit.
Navigating the legal complexities of slip and fall accidents can be daunting, especially when injuries and your recovery rightly preoccupy you. Consulting an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and that you see rightful compensation. You deserve to be compensated for the harm you have suffered. If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident in Greater Philadelphia, turn to the skilled personal injury team at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. to help you navigate the process. We will fight relentlessly so you can see a settlement that addresses the full extent of the harm you have faced. Contact us today or at 888-PITT-LAW for a free and confidential consultation.
