Slip-and-Fall Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia
Request a Free ConsultationA slip-and-fall accident can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Too often, property owners and their insurance companies are quick to blame the fall victim. Our Philadelphia slip–and–fall lawyers fight to hold the negligent property owner accountable.
At Grungo Law, we have over 100 years of combined legal experience helping injured people recover. Our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia will guide you through the legal process with compassion. Call today to request a free consultation.
Why Should You Choose Our Philadelphia Slip-and-Fall Accident Attorneys?
Premises liability cases are more complex than regular personal injury claims. They require a quick and thorough investigation, as well as a deep understanding of Pennsylvania law.
Here’s why Philadelphians trust Grungo Law to handle their slip-and-fall cases:
- We are a local firm: Our Philadelphia office, located at 1943 South 11th Street, provides us with a strong local presence. We are aware of the specific hazards that exist in the city, from historic cobblestone streets to busy commercial corridors, and we are familiar with the Philadelphia court system.
- A proven track record in premises liability: Our attorneys have a strong history of holding negligent property owners accountable. We know the common defenses they employ, and more importantly, we know how to overcome them.
- Resources to build a powerful case: A successful claim often requires more than just your testimony. We have the resources to hire safety experts, engineers, and investigators to document the hazard and prove the owner’s negligence.
- We stand up to the insurance company: Whether you fell at a major retail chain or an apartment complex owned by a large management company, we are not intimidated. We are skilled negotiators and trial attorneys prepared to fight for the maximum value of your claim.
- You pay no fee unless we win: We handle all slip-and-fall claims on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us a single dollar up front. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or a jury verdict.
We Deliver Results
At our personal injury law firm, we know what it takes to build strong premises liability cases. We work tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome for every client. Every case is unique, so we build a personalized legal strategy based on the unique details of your slip-and-fall claim.
Our results for slip-and-fall cases include:
- $700,000 settlement for a slip-and-fall injury
- $485,000 settlement for a client injured in a slip-and-fall
- $425,000 settlement for injuries from a slip-and-fall
- $400,000 settlement for a slip-and-fall accident victim
Results matter because they can provide the financial resources you need to rebuild your life after a serious fall. Our slip-and-fall attorneys in Philadelphia don’t back down from difficult claims or accept less than what we believe our clients deserve.
Understanding Premises Liability Law in Pennsylvania
A slip-and-fall case is a type of personal injury claim known as premises liability. The core legal principle is that property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition to prevent foreseeable harm to visitors. However, the specific level of care owed depends on the visitor’s legal status on the property.
In Pennsylvania, visitors are generally classified into three categories:
- Invitees: These people were invited onto the property for the owner’s commercial benefit. This category includes shoppers in a grocery store, diners in a restaurant, or fans at a Phillies game. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must regularly inspect their property for hazards, repair any known dangers, and warn visitors of hazards that cannot be immediately addressed.
- Licensees: A licensee is a social guest, like a friend invited to a house party or a family member visiting for dinner. The owner has a duty to warn licensees of any known dangerous conditions that the guest is unlikely to discover on their own. The duty is slightly lower than for an invitee.
- Trespassers: A trespasser is someone who enters a property without permission. Owners generally do not owe a duty to protect trespassers from harm, with a major exception for child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine.
Most slip-and-fall cases in Philadelphia involve invitees who were injured on commercial property.
Proving the Property Owner Had “Notice”
Simply being injured on someone else’s property is not enough to win a case. The single most important (and often most difficult) element to prove is that the property owner had notice of the dangerous condition that caused your fall.
There are two types of notice:
- Actual notice: This refers to the situation where the owner or their employees were aware of the specific hazard. For example, if a customer reports a spill to an employee, the property owner has actual notice.
- Constructive Notice: This means the hazard existed for such a long period of time that the owner should have been aware of it through reasonable inspection and care. For example, a puddle from a leaky grocery store freezer that has been there for hours can establish constructive notice.
Proving that the property owner had notice requires an immediate investigation to find evidence, such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and witness statements. This is why contacting an attorney quickly is so vital to your case.
Damages You Can Recover in a Pennsylvania Premises Liability Lawsuit
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia can help you recover.
As a slip-and-fall accident victim, you could claim economic and non–economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
A Philadelphia slip-and-fall attorney from our team will calculate all your losses and file a comprehensive claim. We will negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement. If they refuse to cooperate, we will take your case to court.
The Two-Year Deadline to File a Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit in Pennsylvania
The law sets a strict time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a lawsuit. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years to file your claim, according to 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2). If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to seek compensation forever.
While two years may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act quickly. Evidence like surveillance video is often erased within days, witnesses move away, and the dangerous condition will be repaired. The sooner you contact a slip-and-fall attorney from our team, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to win.
Common Slip-and-Fall Hazards in Philadelphia’s Urban Environment
Philadelphia presents a unique landscape of potential slip-and-fall dangers. Our lawyers handle injury claims arising from many different situations, including:
- Weather-related hazards, such as ice and water
- Sidewalk and parking lot defects
- Retail and grocery store dangers
- Wet floors
- Poor lighting at public transportation areas
- Uneven pavement
- Slippery surfaces
- Cluttered walkways
- Spills of liquids or other slippery substances
Our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia will investigate the circumstances of the slip-and-fall accident. We will use all the available evidence to build a strong claim. Also, our Philadelphia legal team can handle the insurance company so you don’t have to worry about that.
Common Slip-and-Fall Injuries
If you were in a slip-and-fall accident, seek immediate medical care. Even a minor incident can lead to an injury that requires medical treatment. Our slip-and-fall injury attorneys have helped many victims with severe injuries.
Common slip-and-fall injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Neck injuries
Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers will rely on your medical records and doctors’ opinions to show the full extent of your injuries.
Contact Our Philadelphia Slip-and-Fall Lawyers Today
You should not have to pay the price for a property owner’s negligence. The dedicated legal team at Grungo Law is ready to fight for you. We will work tirelessly to secure the financial resources you need to recover.
Need a Philadelphia slip-and-fall lawyer? Grungo Law provides experienced representation close to home. Call our Philadelphia office for a free consultation today.