Understanding Falling Incidents and Premises Liability Law in Pennsylvania
Introduction
Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. From wet grocery store floors to icy sidewalks and uneven flooring, these incidents can lead to serious injuries. Understanding premises liability law is crucial for victims seeking compensation and property owners aiming to mitigate risks.
The Reality of Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Falls account for a third of all preventable nonfatal injuries in the U.S., making them a leading cause of emergency department visits. Pennsylvania sees a significant number of slip-and-fall incidents each year, particularly affecting older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that one in four adults over 65 experiences a fall annually, leading to over 3 million emergency room visits nationwide.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal doctrine that holds property owners and occupiers accountable for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe conditions. This area of law covers a wide range of incidents, including slip-and-fall accidents, inadequate security, and hazardous property conditions.
Duty of Care in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law categorizes visitors into three groups, each with different levels of protection:
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Invitees (e.g., customers in a store) receive the highest duty of care, requiring regular inspections and prompt hazard removal.
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Licensees (e.g., social guests) must be warned of known dangers that are not obvious.
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Trespassers receive minimal protection, mainly against intentional harm.
The Cost of Falls
Slip-and-fall injuries often result in significant medical costs. Nationally, hospital visits for falls exceed 1 million annually, with medical expenses totaling approximately $50 billion per year. Pennsylvania courts regularly see premises liability claims seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Proving Negligence in Slip-and-Fall Cases
To succeed in a premises liability claim, the injured party must prove:
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A hazardous condition existed.
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The property owner knew or should have known about it.
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The owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix or warn visitors.
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The hazardous condition directly caused the injury.
Compensation for Victims
Victims of slip-and-fall accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If negligence is proven, the property owner may be held financially responsible. If you or a loved one have suffered serious injuries in a slip, trip or fall incident that was the fault of someone else, call Worthington Law Group immediately for a free consultation at 215-576-5150.
