“Premises liability” refers to the field of personal injury law dealing with injuries sustained on another person’s property. Unsafe sidewalks, slippery floors, and damaged floorboards are all common examples of dangers on someone’s property which can lead to a guest’s or a passerby’s serious injury.
If you or a loved one was injured on someone else’s property because of a hidden danger on the premises, talk to an attorney about your case today. The Hershey premises liability attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm represent victims and their families in lawsuits against negligent property owners. After your slip and fall, trip and fall, or other accident, call our attorneys for a free legal consultation. Our number is (215) 709-6940.
Types of Accidents for Premises Liability Lawsuits in Hershey, PA
Many types of accidents and injuries fall under the category of “premises liability.” Our attorneys explain some of the more common premises liability injuries that can lead to personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania:
Dangerous Stairs
Railings on stairwells and staircases need to be strong enough to support reasonable use. Stairs that are uneven, weakened, or poorly lit can also lead to serious injuries. A fall down the stairs can be exceedingly dangerous, especially if the victim is already injured or is vulnerable to injuries, like a child or an older adult. Especially in commercial buildings where people are expected to use the stairs, stairs should be safe for guests and customers.
Drowning Injuries
If you or a loved one was injured in a pool or another body of water on someone else’s property, you may be able to sue them for the danger their pool posed. Malfunctioning pool filters, unreasonably slippery flooring choices around the pool, or negligent supervision can all lead to serious injuries in a swimming pool. These cases are especially dangerous for children of neighbors who are attracted to an open swimming pool and begin to drown because the pool was not properly secured or covered.
Electrocution and Fire
Exposed wiring, dangerous light switches, and malfunctioning electrical outlets can be serious dangers for guests. If you were electrocuted or electrified because of dangerous wiring, you could be entitled to substantial damages. The risk of fire from faulty wiring is also a serious concern, especially in older houses. Burn injuries can cause substantial pain and suffering and require intensive medical treatment.
Railing and Floor Collapses
Older houses and buildings may need maintenance and upkeep to ensure that they are safe. Especially for people who have trouble balancing or getting around, like elderly or handicapped individuals, guests might need to rely on handrails and banisters to get around. If the flooring is rotted through on a deck or older building, or if a railing or banister collapses under reasonable stress, the property owner could be responsible for any injuries this causes.
Slip and Fall Injuries
These are the classic example of premises injury cases and constitute the majority of personal injury lawsuits. Slip and falls work the same way as trip and fall cases and cover lawsuits for injuries from any type of fall caused by dangerous premises defects. Things like snowy or icy sidewalks are some of the biggest causes of slip and falls, but people can also be seriously injured because of wet floors from spills, rain and snow tracked inside, and inappropriate mopping or floor waxing.
Suing for Damages After a Premises Liability Accident
If you were injured on someone else’s property, you could be entitled to sue them in court for damages. These damages can compensate you for any harms you suffered because of the accident. In many cases, this includes damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation through the at-fault party’s homeowner’s insurance or liability insurance for injuries on commercial property. However, the damages these insurance policies cover may be limited and will typically not cover things like pain and suffering.
If you were seriously injured, taking your case to court may be the only way to get full compensation. The insurance coverage may pay only a percentage of damages for medical expenses and lost wages and will usually not cover pain and suffering damages. If your injuries were severe and ongoing, like brain injuries from hitting your head or spinal cord injuries from falling on your back, you could need substantial coverage. Talk to an attorney about what your case is worth and why you should consider filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for your premises liability injuries.
Our Hershey Premises Liability Attorneys Offer Free Consultations
After a serious accident on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to take your case to court to seek full compensation. If your injury was caused by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, whether it be a house, bar, restaurant, store, or another piece of property, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. For a free consultation on your case, contact The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940.
