What Happens if You are Injured on Someone Else’s Sidewalk in Pennsylvania?
Being injured due to the negligence of a property owner can be a frustrating experience. Many people often expect that property owners inspect their property thoroughly for any defects that may injure others. Unfortunately, some property owners will fail to keep their property free of any safety hazards. If you or a family member was injured while walking on the sidewalk of another person, contact an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall injury lawyer. The Reiff Law Firm is here to explain what happens if you are injured on someone else’s sidewalk.
Premises Liability Claims in Philadelphia, PA
Premises liability is an area of law that refers to accidents that occur on the property of another person due to the negligence of the property owner. For example, if you were walking through a neighborhood of residential homes and you slipped on ice and broke your ankle, a property owner could be held liable for that accident.
Property owners have a duty to correct any safety hazards on their property that could injure pedestrians and visitors on the property. If a property owner would have great difficulty fixing the property defect, they should at least warn a pedestrian or other party of the defect.
In some cases, the property owner may even be liable for injuries to a trespasser. For example, if a property owner sets up a trap intended to hurt trespassers, this could expose them to a premises liability claim.
One of the most popular types of premises liability claims is a slip and fall accident. A slip and fall accident occurs when a person slips and falls over some safety hazards and suffers a serious injury. Tripping over the sidewalk of the property would qualify as a slip and fall accident that would lead to a premises liability claim.
To prove a premises liability claim, you must show that a property owner acted negligently regarding a dangerous issue on their property. Cracked pavements, walkways filled with snow, falling trees, and other similar circumstances can make a property owner liable for injuries to others. There are multiple elements to a negligence claim:
- The property owner owed you a duty to warn you about a property hazard or to correct a property hazard
- The property owner breached that duty
- You suffered an injury on the property owner’s land
- The property owner’s actions resulted in your injury
To learn more about what to do if you trip on and injure yourself on a sidewalk that belongs to another person, continue reading and speak with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If you trip, fall, and suffer a serious injury on the property of another, you should take the following actions in possible anticipation of litigation. If you are seriously injured, you should contact emergency services to get treatment for your injuries.
If the hazard you slipped over was a slippery sidewalk, a broken portion of pavement or a similar defect, you should take pictures of the scene of the accident. You should also take pictures of all the injuries you sustained.
It is also important to know who owns the property where you were injured. This can be an easy process if you are injured at another person’s home, however, if you are injured in an area where there could be multiple owners of a certain property, this may be more difficult. Our firm can help you discover who is responsible for your injuries after a slip and fall accident.
When receiving treatment for your injuries, you should inform the medical staff of how you were injured so they can help you document your injury.
Once these steps are complete, speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the merits of your case. Our firm can ensure that you receive the legal representation you deserve. You should also be aware that you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years. Failure to file during this timeframe could mean that the court will bar your case. If that happens, you will be unable to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Work with Our Experienced Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney to Pursue Compensation for Your Injuries
If you or a family member require legal assistance filing a premises liability claim, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. At the Reiff Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys have a wealth of experience handling many types of premises liability cases, and we would be proud to use this knowledge to represent you. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
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