Most slip and fall accidents on the older store blocks of Tacony, Philadelphia, start with the sidewalk itself. Broken concrete slabs, metal cellar doors, and raised curb ramps at old driveways can all trip a person. In Philadelphia, the building owner must keep the sidewalk out front safe.
At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our Tacony, Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers handle sidewalk cases along the commercial blocks of lower Northeast Philadelphia. We look at what caused the fall, who owned the building next to it, and how long the hazard was there. This discussion explains the common risks along Torresdale Avenue.
Philadelphia’s Torresdale Avenue in Tacony Has Heavy Foot Traffic Over Older Pavement
Torresdale Avenue was built in the 1870s as the main shopping street for a mill town. Business owner Henry Disston bought the land for his saw factory and built nearby housing for his workers.
The shops on those blocks are small and locally owned. Many are old buildings that were never listed as historic landmarks.
Hidden City Philadelphia reported that empty store rates dropped from over 30% in 2012 to nearly zero by 2022. More than 40 owners used city grants to fix up their storefronts with paint, brickwork, window repairs, and new signs over that decade.
Along the street, the sidewalks in front of those stores are much older than the recent building updates, and much of the pavement has not been well repaired.
Why Do Broken Concrete Slabs Cause Slip and Fall Accidents in Tacony, Philadelphia?
A concrete slab that has lifted creates a sharp ledge that can easily catch a foot. Decades of soil movement and tree roots can push slabs apart or raise them from below, turning a flat path into an uneven trip hazard.
Rainy fall weather makes these spots even more dangerous, as rain and wet leaves hide uneven ground. Property owners in Philadelphia are legally required to keep the sidewalk next to their property safe.
What Makes Cellar Doors a Fall Hazard on Tacony, Philly Sidewalks?
Metal cellar doors and access hatches are often slippery and uneven compared with plain concrete. Older store buildings often had sidewalk doors, known as coal holes, made of iron frames with round or square covers.
Over time, these iron frames can shift or bend, rising above the walk and creating dangerous trip hazards.
How Do Curb Ramps Trip Walkers in Tacony?
A curb ramp changes the height and slope of the sidewalk where driveways or loading spaces cross. Older business blocks were cut for truck deliveries and driveway access. Each cut needed its own ramp, built at different times and heights.
Walking across these ramps forces people onto unexpected slopes and uneven ground. Since many of these sidewalks are narrow, walkers have little room to step around damaged pavement, increasing the chance of a severe fall or tripping into the street.
Who Is at Risk on the Storefront Sidewalks of Tacony, Philadelphia?
Everyone walking the street faces these risks. Falls are especially dangerous for older residents out on daily errands. CDC data shows that about 37% of older adults who fall suffer an injury. Those injuries often require medical care or limit normal activity for days.
On a concrete sidewalk, there is nothing soft to break a fall. A simple trip while walking can break a wrist, arm, ankle, or hip.
People using canes or walkers face even greater danger on uneven ground. Even a tiny bump can cause a sudden fall, especially for people carrying bags or looking at store displays instead of watching the path.
Repair Records Often Decide Sidewalk Fall Claims in Philadelphia’s Tacony
A successful personal injury claim can cover medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering. Winning a claim depends heavily on how long the hazard existed. An owner must have had enough time to notice the problem and fix it.
Maintenance logs, repair bills, complaints, and emails are key proof that the owner knew about the issue. Insurance companies often try to blame the person who fell, making clear evidence crucial to winning a case.
Our Tacony, Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer request those records right away. We also search for witnesses who saw the fall.
Common Questions After a Sidewalk Fall in Tacony
- Who Is Responsible for Fixing the Sidewalk in Front of a Torresdale Avenue Store?
In Philadelphia, fixing the sidewalk is the job of the property owner, not the city. Pennsylvania law holds owners responsible for falls caused by unfixed hazards on their walk. A tenant may also share blame if their lease says they must care for the sidewalk out front.
- What Should I Do Right After a Fall on a Tacony Sidewalk?
See a doctor right away, as broken bones or internal injuries might not hurt immediately. Take clear photos of the hazard and the nearby building address, and get contact details from anyone who saw you fall.
- How Long Does a Sidewalk Fall Case Take?
The timeline depends mostly on your medical treatment. Once your treatment ends, we send a demand to the owner’s insurance company, and many cases settle shortly after. Cases that go to court take longer, often because owners claim someone else was responsible for the sidewalk.
Hurt in a Sidewalk Fall? Talk to Our Tacony, Philadelphia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer
If a broken sidewalk slab, metal cellar door, or curb ramp outside a Torresdale Avenue store left you injured, reach out to Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer. Our Tacony, Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers demand maintenance records from property owners and insurers to hold them accountable. Call 215-985-0138 or contact us online to set up a free consultation. With offices in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, and Marlton, NJ, we help clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Add Rand Spear as a preferred source on Google – allowing you to see our updates faster and customize your Google feed.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
