When we visit someone else’s property, we expect to be safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Every year, thousands of people get hurt due to the negligent actions or upkeep of property owners. If you were injured in one of these accidents, there are ways you can obtain compensation from the at-fault property owners.
At the Reiff Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling premises liability claims in Pennsylvania. Our decades of experience have given us the necessary tools to fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (215) 515-8351 today.
Leading Causes of Premises-Related Injuries in Pennsylvania
If you suffer an accident or are injured while on someone else’s property, you may have a cause of action against them. Generally, a property or land owner must keep their premises safe from any known dangers. Some of the most common causes of premises-related injuries include the following:
Dog Bites
If the property owner knows their dog does not react well to strange people, the owner often has to take all necessary precaution to avoid an attack. If the dog bites a guest to the property, the owner may be liable for any injuries his pet causes.
Escalator Accidents
Escalators can be quite hazardous if not properly repaired and maintained. If you get caught on a faulty escalator, you can suffer severe, life-threatening injuries. If a building owner fails to repair a defective escalator properly and causes injuries, he or she can be liable for your losses. A Skilled personal injury attorney can help you file your claim.
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents can happen for numerous reasons. These accidents include falls from slippery floors, icy sidewalks, spills in supermarket aisles, and other causes. Slip and fall injuries can lead to severe injuries, especially if you hit your head or injure your back in the fall.
Electrocutions
Electrocutions accidents commonly happen on construction sites, but they can happen around any loose or damaged wiring. Electrocutions are one of the leading causes of injuries and death among construction workers. Severe electrocution accidents can lead to life-altering and life-threatening injuries. You may be able to obtain compensation from the negligent parties by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Most Common Locations for Premises Liability Accidents and Injuries
Premises liability claims are not limited to accidents in particular places. This type of accident can happen on private or public property and can also occur indoors or outdoors. Some of the most common places where premises-related accidents may occur include the following:
- Airports
- Apartment buildings
- Boardwalks
- Construction sites
- Decks
- Government buildings
- Homes
- Stores
- Warehouses
Most premises liability claims happen due to the negligent actions or inactions of property owners. If they know or should have known about a hazardous condition on their property but failed to correct it, they may be responsible for your injuries.
Do not accept any offer from a property owner before talking to a premises liability lawyer first. Our skilled attorneys can help you hold the responsible parties liable for your injuries.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Pennsylvania
You can obtain compensation in a premises liability lawsuit by filing a personal injury claim. Most premises liability lawsuits are based on claims of negligence. This means you will need to show the defendant’s negligent acts or omissions caused your injuries. To have a successful personal injury claim, you will need to show the following four elements in court:
- The property owner owed you a duty.
- The property owner breached their duty.
- The breach of duty caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages.
If you are successful in showing these elements, you can obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, and mental suffering.
Keep in mind, Pennsylvania has a law known as a “comparative negligence” law. Under this law, the plaintiff is not barred from obtaining compensation if he is found partly responsible for his own accident. Instead, the amount of compensation is reduced to cover the plaintiff’s percentage of fault. For instance, if the court awarded $100,000 but found you 30% responsible for the accident, you will obtain $70,000 as compensation instead of the full $100,000.
You also have a limited time to file your premises liability claim. The statute of limitations places a two-year limit on when you can file, starting from the time of the accident. A skilled premises liability lawyer can help you file your personal injury claim promptly to have it filed before the deadline.
Premises Liability Lawyers Serving Allentown, Pennsylvania
If you or a loved one sustained injuries while on somebody else’s property, we may be able to help – you don’t have to face this trying time alone. Let our skill and experience work for you. At the Reiff Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling premises liability claims. We dedicate our legal practice to pursuing and upholding your rights as an injury victim. To learn more about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call our law offices today at (215) 515-8351.
