Slip and fall accidents are more serious than they sound. Falls can be dangerous for anyone, but for older adults, they are among the most common causes of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. In fact, they are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Balance is always a factor in falling, but the vast majority of falls are precipitated by some form of negligence on the part of a property owner. When you are injured by a fall resulting from someone else’s negligence, you have the right—and need—to do something about it.
The Chester County slip and fall lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm have been handling slip and fall accidents for three decades. They understand how devastating a fall can be, and they are there to give you the support you need. We will help you pursue compensation to help you deal with your medical costs, therapy, and daily living expenses. You should not be held responsible for the negligent actions of a property owner. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
Determining Liability for a Slip and Fall Accident
Chester County, the highest income county in Pennsylvania, boasts of many shopping malls, museums, parks, and other places where slip and fall accidents can occur. That is why it is important to understand that responsibility for a slip and fall accident is typically on the owner of the property.
Property owners have a duty to correct any hazards on their property that could injure a visitor. Under some circumstances, a property owner may even be liable for a slip and fall injury that was sustained by an intruder.
Slip and fall injuries are the most common type of personal injury case because of how easy it is for a slip and fall accident to happen. For example, a shopper can suffer a serious slip and fall injury if they trip over a portion of cracked pavement while walking to their favorite retail store. Other hazards that could lead to a slip and fall injury include:
- Unplowed snow and ice
- Broken steps in a stairwell
- Poor lighting
- Wet floors
- Faulty handrails or banisters
Slip and fall accidents often result from building code violations. It takes an experienced slip and fall attorney to make sure that such violations are properly addressed, and that the negligent property owner is held accountable. Whether you fell while walking through the Exton Square Mall, dining at the Desmond Hotel, or shopping at the Acme in Paoli, you need the help of a qualified slip and fall lawyer.
Types of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall injuries will typically vary depending on how the accident occurred. For example, if you were to trip over a broken step in a stairwell, you may end up nursing an ankle injury at the least. Unfortunately, some individuals will suffer a slip and fall injury that could leave them seriously or permanently injured. The following is a list of common slip and fall injuries:
- Head trauma
- Broken vertebrae in the back or neck
- Broken bones
- Sprained ankle
- Lacerations
- Torn tendons
- Bruised kneecaps
- Broken nose
If you have been injured by a fall, there is a great deal at stake. You are likely to require not only medical care, but therapy, home help, and medical equipment. You need and deserve to have your medical and home care costs covered, and you need the peace of mind of knowing that everything is being properly handled. The best way to assure this is to hire a qualified lawyer who can prove negligence, establish liability, and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
When to File Your Slip and Fall Case in Chester County, PA
If you were injured in a slip and fall, you should begin building your case as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, victims of slip and fall injury only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The reason for this is the statute of limitations that determine how much time a plaintiff has to file a case. However, you may be eligible for an exception to this law under certain circumstances.
Besides the statute of limitations, there are many other reasons to file your case quickly. For example, you may need a witness to testify on your behalf regarding the accident. Waiting too long could mean the memory of a key witness will be hazy when you are litigating your case. Additionally, if you need the compensation from your case to handle medical and other expenses, you do not want to delay.
Chester County Slip and Fall Attorneys You Can Trust
If you or a family member was injured in a slip and fall accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm. Our skilled attorneys have over three decades of experience handling slip and fall accidents in Chester County. We will make sure that you receive the guidance, support, and compensation you deserve–and you will not owe us a thing unless we get money for you. Call The Reiff Law Firm today at (215) 709-6940 for a free consultation.
