Our Mayfair, Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers help injured people prove that a hazard, such as an icy sidewalk or a wet store floor, caused their slip and fall accident. Property owners and insurers often blame the person who fell, but we gather evidence early to build strong cases. Pennsylvania also reduces a claimant’s compensation when fault is shared and gives injured people just two years to file, which is why our decades of personal injury experience can make a real difference.
Why Icy Sidewalks Lead to So Many Falls
Winter storms turn Mayfair’s rowhome blocks in the Northeast into slippery paths, especially where shaded steps refreeze overnight. Philadelphia requires property owners to clear a path at least 36 inches wide within six hours after snow stops falling, yet many ignore that law; that can lead to liability. This means that a shopper who slips on a glazed sidewalk outside a Frankford Avenue storefront the next morning may have a claim.
How Wet Leaves and Rain Create Hidden Hazards
Autumn leaves pile up along Mayfair’s streets, and once rain soaks them, sidewalks become nearly as slick as ice. Water also pools in low spots and coats smooth surfaces such as tile entryways and painted steps. When an owner lets soggy leaves sit on a walkway for weeks, a fall there may point back to that owner’s neglect.
How Wet Floors Cause Falls Inside Stores
Spills, tracked-in rainwater, and freshly mopped floors cause many falls inside businesses. Picture a shopper near the Roosevelt Mall who slips on a puddle by a store entrance during a rainy afternoon. If employees knew about the water, or should have spotted it during routine checks, the store may be responsible for failing to clean it up or warn customers.
Why Broken Sidewalks Cause So Many Trips
Tree roots, freeze-and-thaw cycles, and decades of foot traffic leave many older Northeast Philadelphia sidewalks cracked and uneven. For example, a raised slab near a SEPTA bus stop on Cottman Avenue can catch a commuter’s toe in a split second. City rules generally hold the property owner responsible for repairing the sidewalk out front; that is why we typically investigate owners first when researching slip and fall claims.
How Poor Lighting and Broken Stairs Lead to Injuries
Dim parking lots, burned-out hallway bulbs, and loose handrails hide hazards, especially after dark. Besides that, rental rowhomes and apartment buildings often have narrow stairways, where one cracked step or shaky railing can send someone tumbling. Landlords control shared spaces such as stairwells and entryways; they are typically responsible for that maintenance.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk of a Serious Fall?
Anyone can fall, although older adults face the highest risk of serious harm. According to the CDC, more than one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year. A slip that leaves a teenager with a scraped knee might cause a broken hip for a grandparent, which could lead to a long recovery and steep medical bills.
What Injuries Do Slip and Fall Accidents Cause?
Falls often cause broken wrists, back injuries, and concussions, since people instinctively reach out to catch themselves or land hard on concrete. Other injuries, such as a torn ligament or a mild brain injury, might take days to show clear symptoms. In other words, someone who notices only a sore knee after slipping on a wet ramp could later learn that the damage requires surgery.
How Shared Fault Can Affect a Slip and Fall Claim
Under Pennsylvania’s shared-fault rule, an injured person can still recover money as long as that person was not more than 50% at fault. The award shrinks by that share, so someone found 30% responsible would receive 70% of the total.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Mayfair, Philadelphia
After a fall, our Mayfair, Philadelphia, slip and fall accident lawyers recommend calling for help and reporting what happened to a manager or the property owner. Before leaving the scene, take photos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and the shoes you wore. Also, ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers so they can provide potential testimony on your behalf. You should also see a doctor promptly, because the generated medical record can link your injury to the fall.
How Long Pennsylvania Allows for Filing a Claim
Most slip and fall personal injury lawsuits in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the injury. Claims involving the City of Philadelphia move faster, because the law generally requires written notice within six months. Be aware that maintenance records can disappear and memories fade over time; starting claims early keeps more options open.
How Our Mayfair, Philadelphia, Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers Build a Case
A strong case begins with proof of the hazard and how long it existed. Our legal team requests surveillance footage, inspection logs, and incident reports, then totals up the claimant’s medical costs, lost wages, and future care needs. We also negotiate with insurers and other potentially liable parties to pursue every avenue of compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Someone Sue After Falling on a Neighbor’s Icy Sidewalk?
Yes, if a fair settlement is not reached. However, Pennsylvania’s hills and ridges rule can limit these claims while a storm is still underway.
Does a Wet Floor Sign Protect a Store From a Lawsuit?
A warning sign can jeopardize a slip and fall injury claim. But if the property had a spill in place for too long or the sign was where shoppers could not see it, that could be challenged.
What Kind of Compensation Can a Slip and Fall Claim Include?
Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, along with future treatment costs and lost earning ability after a serious injury.
Fall and Got Hurt? Our Mayfair, Philadelphia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer Hold Property Owners Responsible for Negligence
For a free consultation about your legal options after a fall, contact the Mayfair, Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer. Our trusted legal team will investigate your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable. Call 215-985-0138 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and Marlton, NJ, we help clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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