While some people recognize that an injury can occur at any time or place while engaging in any activity, others seem more content to live life without obsessing over the negative possibilities in life. Regardless of your particular view on life, the simple fact of the matter is that accident and injuries can, indeed, occur to any person in an array of circumstances.
For visitors of Hersey, Pennsylvania, an injury can occur while walking through town, shopping at nearby outlets or enjoying one of the many major attractions in the area. Many times that injury occurs due to an unsafe condition like debris on the sidewalk, failing to provide a path that is not unreasonably dangerous, or some other defect that the store owner or the party responsible for the property failed to correct or warn against. While the reasons for a sidewalk injury are numerous, landowners are generally required to exercise reasonable care to warn or correct regarding known dangerous conditions on the property.
The slip and fall lawyers of The Reiff Law Firm have fought to recover compensation for those injured for 34 years. When you work with our attorneys you can rest assured that we will pursue your claim aggressively and strategically.
Slip and Falls are Common, But Often Devastating Injuries
Slip and falls represent an extremely common mechanism of injury. According to statistics collected by the National Safety Council, approximately 9 million people visit the hospital after a slip and fall. Despite the relatively simple mechanism of injury, or how the injury occurs, the consequences of a slip and fall injury can be devastating. The danger of a slip and fall is especially pronounced for adults older than age 65. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among senior citizens. Furthermore, about 20 to 30 percent of victims of falls suffer an injury that is moderate to severe including a hip fracture, lacerations and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). In 2012, the CDC estimated that the direct cost of falling injuries totaled $30 billion.
What Precautions Are Required Under Pennsylvania Law?
While a slip and fall or a trip and fall are never welcome events, the good news is that Pennsylvania law is responsive to those who have been injured due to a property owner’s carelessness or negligence. In Pennsylvania, the law typically requires a property owner to take reasonable measure to correct dangerous conditions or provide warning to guests. Therefore for Pennsylvania business owners, homeowners and property owners it is essential that all sidewalks, walkways, ramps, stairways, and other highly trafficked areas are inspected frequently. However, it is important to note that an injured person is most likely to recover when they are invited onto the property for a specific purpose or if the premises are held open to the public – such as a retail store. If the individual is not permitted to be on the land, a trespasser, then they are the least likely to recover.
However, even among trespassers, different level of responsibility can exist. For instance, a tolerated trespassers, or an individual without permission to be on the property but the landowner is aware of them, may also trigger a duty of reasonable care. Similarly, as per the attractive nuisance doctrine, a child trespasser who is drawn onto the property by an attractive nuisance – like a swimming pool or trampoline – may also be owed a duty of care from the property owner. This duty may require the property owner to fence in the pool or trampoline or, as the particularized circumstances require, take other corrective measures.
If You’ve Been Injured, Call Our Hershey Slip & Fall Lawyers
For 34 years the personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm have fought for compensation for severe injuries after slip and fall accidents. To discuss your case and to schedule a private and free personal injury consultation call (215) 709-6940.
