Somerton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers
The Philly neighborhood of Somerton sits in the Far Northeast of Philadelphia, along the boundary with Montgomery County. It’s enclosed by major roads like Roosevelt Boulevard and Red Lion Road, which define its footprint within the city. Over time, Somerton has grown into a culturally diverse area, with a steadily increasing number of residents. Its long history is reflected in the mix of subdivisions that make up the community, along with the local schools, libraries, and shopping hubs.
Our Somerton slip and fall accident lawyers are closely familiar with the slip and fall injury risks in older neighborhoods like Somerton. With over 200 years of combined experience, we have recovered more than $1 billion for our clients across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our knowledge of the Somerton community helps us address the challenges that impact residents and visitors. Our exceptional legal support prioritizes personalized service, communication, and dedication to protecting client rights.
Somerton: A Longstanding Philadelphia Neighborhood
Somerton developed from largely open land into a predominantly residential community during the post–World War II housing boom of the 1950s and early 1960s. Unlike parts of South Philadelphia that were built under more uniform street and sidewalk plans, Somerton’s residential infrastructure was constructed incrementally by different developers over time. As a result, sidewalk inconsistencies such as uneven slab heights, often referred to as vertical displacement, are common throughout the neighborhood and are a frequent contributing factor in trip and fall incidents.
Historically, Somerton’s landscape was influenced by natural drainage patterns and a relatively high-water table, conditions common in this part of Northeast Philadelphia. In older areas such as Westwood and Lumar Park, gradual soil movement and long-term subsurface settling continue to affect paved surfaces. Over time, these conditions can cause sidewalks, parking lots, and walkways to crack, tilt, or sink, creating subtle elevation changes that may not be immediately visible to pedestrians.
Much of the concrete found along Somerton’s residential streets dates back several decades. Slip and fall accidents are more commonly reported along high-traffic corridors such as Bustleton Avenue, Philmont Avenue, and nearby sections of Roosevelt Boulevard, where older sidewalks, frequent driveway cuts, and increased pedestrian activity contribute to uneven walking surfaces.
Somerton is also known for its diverse population, including residents with roots in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and South Asia. Busy retail locations such as the ShopRite of Somerton and NetCost Market along Bustleton Avenue experience high daily foot traffic and present increased risks from transient hazards. Because these stores are frequently used by older adults, falls in these locations can result in more serious injuries. Nearby shopping plazas along Bustleton Avenue and surrounding commercial strips often contain curbs, ramps, and transition zones where worn surfaces or limited visual contrast can increase the risk of missteps.
Properties and small businesses located near the SEPTA West Trenton Line’s Somerton Station are exposed to regular train traffic. While vibration alone does not automatically cause sidewalk failure, long-term vibration combined with aging concrete and underlying soil conditions can contribute to cracking, surface displacement, and uneven private walkways. Inadequate lighting remains another concern in parts of Somerton, particularly near commercial corridors and transit-adjacent areas.
Residents may raise safety and infrastructure concerns through community organizations such as the Somerton Civic Association, which addresses neighborhood quality-of-life and public welfare issues. KleinLife, a well-known local resource serving older adults, also plays a role in fall-prevention education and highlights the importance of maintaining safe walking environments.
Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer Handles Slip and Fall Cases of Every Scope
Slip and fall liability depends on whether a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition. When representing clients, our Somerton slip and fall accident lawyers leverage Philadelphia property maintenance laws, including § 11-505 and § 10-720, which apply to sidewalk repair and keeping sidewalks clear of ice, snow, and debris.
Our team also skillfully handles various types of slip and fall cases, including but not limited to:
- Transit Hubs and Bus Stops: The Somerton Station ramps are subject to heavy salt corrosion, which can cause handrails to become loose or detached.
- Apartment Buildings: Large complexes in Philmont Heights often have outdoor metal-grate stairs. If these are not treated with anti-corrosive paint, they become “slip traps” when wet or icy.
- Stairwells: Stairs in both residential and commercial buildings, including multi-story homes, may have deteriorated steps or absent handrails, which can raise the risk of falls.
- Restaurants and Corner Stores: Busy local businesses along Bustleton Ave. and side streets often have cluttered aisles, slippery floors, and uneven entryways that pose serious dangers for customers.
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Chain supermarkets like Shoprite, as well as local grocers, may have wet floors from produce sections or cleaning; cluttered aisles can also cause slip and fall accidents.
- Sidewalks and Curbs: Throughout Somerton, sidewalks near shops and older homes often show cracks, uneven surfaces, and debris, creating hazards.
Additional Risk Points for Slip and Fall Accidents in Somerton
In addition to general sidewalk and infrastructure concerns, several specific risk points in Somerton make certain areas particularly prone to slip and fall hazards:
- Bustleton Avenue Retail Strips: Frequent delivery traffic can result in trucks parking on sidewalks, which cracks the concrete and creates jagged edges for pedestrians.
- Gas Station Forecourts: The high-traffic fueling areas at Bustleton and Byberry may have “oil-slick” accumulation that is not properly degreased by owners, leading to catastrophic slips.
- The 19116 “Micro-Climate”: Somerton’s northern and slightly elevated location can result in icy conditions that may be more pronounced than in lower-lying parts of Philadelphia.
- Leaf Matting: In the autumn, the neighborhood’s heavy oak and maple trees drop leaves that clog storm drains. This causes deep puddles that hide submerged potholes or open manhole covers.
Handling Your Slip and Fall Case With Care: Call Rand Spear
After you experience a slip and fall injury, our family-owned firm will move quickly to protect your rights, uncover the truth, and stand up to property owner negligence.
When the stakes are high after a Somerton slip and fall, choose the firm that sets the bar — Demand Rand!
Slip and Fall Questions? We Have the Answers
- What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall in Philly’s Somerton Neighborhood? Get medical care immediately, take photos, report hazards to Philly 311, and contact a slip and fall attorney.
- What Happens if I Slip and Fall at Work? Notify your employer, seek treatment, and consult a lawyer. These cases may involve Workers’ Compensation and personal injury claims.
- What Factors Affect a Slip and Fall Claim? Factors include: where the accident occurred, the circumstances, and visible hazards, all of which help determine liability.
- How Much Will a Slip and Fall Case in Somerton Cost? At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, we have a “no fee until victory” guarantee. Additionally, we offer free initial consultations.
Get the Help You Need From Our Somerton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyers at Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer
At Rand Spear – The Accident Lawyer, our Somerton slip and fall accident lawyers hold negligent property owners accountable. If you were injured – Demand Rand! Our team will give you the personalized legal representation you deserve. Call 215-985-0138 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, as well as Cherry Hill and Marlton, NJ, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
