In the state of Pennsylvania, there are many people who can be found walking on a daily basis. This may be as a means of transportation, leisure, or exercise. No matter the purpose, people rarely ever consider the idea that they will be involved in an accident while they are out walking. Usually, this is the case and there are no problems. However, it is possible to be harmed in a personal injury accident while walking if properties are not taken care of and become hazardous. Those who are injured should retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney for help recovering compensation after the accident.
Examples of Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen in many different locations. This can include sidewalks, streets, stairwells, parking lots, and more. They can occur as a result of the following conditions:
- Damaged sidewalks
- Weather conditions (snow & ice, standing water)
- Potholes, uneven pavement, cracked surfaces
- Loose debris
- Hazardous materials
- Slippery substances
Proving Negligence
When a person is injured at the expense of another party, they may want to pursue legal action against them. This can be done by filing a personal claim. During this time, the injured party has the job of proving negligence in order to be successful. This can be accomplished with evidence that shows the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about what caused the accident to happen. Helpful evidence to be used in court can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures or videos of the hazard, any witnesses to the incident, and more. If successful, the individual may recover compensation for any physical, emotional, and financial damages they incurred due to the incident.
How Long Do I Have to Sue?
When an injured party wishes to recover compensation after an accident, the first thing they must do is file a personal injury claim. It is important that they do not wait too long to do so, as there is a statute of limitations in place. This is a deadline by which they are required to meet when filing a claim. If they fail to do so, they may lose their opportunity to recover compensation entirely. The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date of the injury. If they were injured on government property, they must file a Notice of Claim at most six months from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form