From Explosions to Falls: Protecting Your Rights After a Philadelphia Injury

Recent Philadelphia news headlines have been awash with reports of various serious injuries and deaths in Philly and surrounding areas. If you’re injured, it’s important to know what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after the incident.

If you’re having trouble recovering compensation or suspect someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, speak to an experienced Philadelphia injury lawyer. The team at MyPhillyLawyer can help. 

Recent Injuries in the News

Recent Philadelphia-area news headlines demonstrate the risks of injury present in the city. While most Philadelphians won’t face injury on any given day, those who do deserve the assistance of qualified medical and legal professionals. 

Roadway Collisions

In June 2025, a collision between a motorcyclist and a Philadelphia Fire Department ladder truck sent the biker to the hospital. The collision occurred in Center City in the early hours of a Saturday morning. 

A police officer was hospitalized after injuries suffered in a crash near Huntingdon and Emerald streets in the Kensington area of Philadelphia in late June 2025. The police car collided with a pickup truck with sufficient force to cause serious injuries. 

A motorcyclist and a car collided on the American Parkway bridge in the last week of June 2025. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries.

Explosions

An explosion on Philadelphia’s north side in late June 2025 claimed one life, injured two people, and caused damage to several homes. The explosion occurred on West Bristol Street in Nicetown around 5:00 a.m. on a Sunday. Three houses caught fire, causing serious injuries and devastating property damage. Other houses experienced broken glass and additional damage.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Recent research indicates that fall-related deaths are increasing in Lehigh County. Falls can cause serious injuries and high medical bills. In 2023, falls contributed to over $1 billion in hospital costs for Philadelphia County residents. Approximately 7,825 Philadelphians were hospitalized for fall-related injuries in 2023, with a median hospital bill of $77,237.

One Pennsylvania township is running a grab bar installation program to help its residents address fall risks. Falls remain a serious risk, however, as well as one of the top four causes of workplace deaths each year.

Injury Statistics in Philadelphia and Surrounding Areas

In 2024, 1,127 people died and 66,950 were injured in Pennsylvania traffic crashes. While the number of deaths decreased from the previous year, the number of non-fatal injuries increased. On average, one person dies and 64 are injured in traffic crashes every eight hours. 

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury and death, particularly among older adults. They’re also one of the top causes of injuries at work. 

In 2023, Pennsylvania workers reported over 115,000 job-related injuries. These included 64,300 cases in which the injured person needed time off work or work restrictions to recover, limiting their ability to earn the money their households needed.

What To Do If You’re Injured This Summer

The moments after an injury are critical – and so are the days, weeks, and months that follow. Here’s what to do if you or someone you love is injured this summer.

• Make safety your top priority. Clear the area so that no one suffers additional harm. If possible, avoid moving a seriously injured person; instead, move the dangerous condition out of their way. 
• Call 911. Call for emergency help. First responders can secure the scene, assess injuries, provide assistance, and document the situation. 
• Get medical attention. If you don’t receive emergency care immediately following the accident, see a doctor immediately. Follow up with any tests, treatment, or additional care your doctor recommends. Doing so will help you heal and will document your injuries so you can seek full, fair compensation. 
• Talk to insurance – carefully. Most insurance companies give you only a few weeks or months to file a claim, so contact them promptly. When you speak to insurers, however, stick to the facts. An experienced Philadelphia injury lawyer can help you talk to your insurer if you are unsure where to start. 
  Speak to an experienced, top-rated Philly lawyer. Personal injury attorneys dedicate their careers to protecting the rights of injured people and securing the compensation they deserve. Your lawyer can investigate your case, negotiate for compensation, protect your legal rights, and even prepare for trial if needed. Reach out to the dedicated Philadelphia injury attorneys at MyPhillyLawyer today to learn more.