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Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Philadelphia
Slip and fall accidents are more common than many realize, especially in a busy city like Philadelphia. When you’re dealing with crowded sidewalks, unpredictable weather, and a mix of old and new buildings, dangers can appear nearly anywhere. Knowing what causes most slip and fall injuries can help you avoid accidents and understand when you might need help from a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer. Let’s look at the most frequent causes.
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Wet and Slippery Surfaces
One of the top reasons people slip and fall is because of wet or slick surfaces. Rain, snow, and ice are big problems in Philadelphia, especially in the winter months. Sidewalks, parking lots, and store entrances often become hazardous when property owners don’t take proper care to clean up or warn people about dangerous conditions.
Inside buildings, spilled drinks, freshly mopped floors, or leaks can also create slippery spots. Businesses are required to put up warning signs or clean up messes quickly. If you fall because a store owner failed to warn you about a wet floor, you may be able to hold them accountable.
Restaurants, grocery stores, and office buildings are common spots for these accidents. It’s not just about slipping on water. Oil, grease, soap, or even loose rugs can cause a fall. A slip and fall attorney in Philadelphia can help you understand your legal options if you’ve been hurt because a property owner didn’t maintain safe conditions.
Uneven or Broken Sidewalks
Philadelphia is full of historic charm, but that often means sidewalks that aren’t in the best shape. Cracks, potholes, sudden drops, and loose bricks can all trip up pedestrians. The city and property owners are both responsible for keeping sidewalks in good repair, but sometimes repairs are delayed.
If you trip over a raised slab of sidewalk or a missing brick outside a business, you may have a case against the property owner or the city. These hazards are especially dangerous for seniors and people with limited mobility. If you’ve been hurt because of an uneven walkway, contacting a slip and fall lawyer can help you figure out who is responsible and what compensation you might deserve.
Don’t ignore smaller cracks or holes either. Even a small uneven spot can cause serious injuries, from sprained ankles and broken bones to head trauma. If you notice sidewalks in disrepair, report them, and if you’re injured, gather photos and witness information right away.
Poor Lighting Conditions
Proper lighting is key to safety, especially at night or in covered parking garages. Dim hallways, dark stairwells, and poorly lit entrances make it hard to see hazards. You might not notice a step, a spill, or debris in your path. Property owners must install and maintain adequate lighting in public spaces.
Parking lots, apartment buildings, and retail stores often fail in this area. Burned-out bulbs or broken fixtures aren’t just annoying, they’re dangerous. If you trip or fall in a dark area, take note of the lighting conditions and take pictures if possible. A slip and fall attorney can help you investigate whether poor lighting contributed to your accident.
Landlords and business owners are usually required by law to keep common areas well-lit. If you’re hurt because they didn’t replace a bulb or fix a fixture, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Always bring these dangers to attention to prevent others from being hurt.
Cluttered Walkways and Obstacles
Tripping hazards don’t always come from weather or broken pavement. Sometimes, the biggest risks are everyday items left where they don’t belong. Boxes in store aisles, cords stretched across hallways, loose merchandise, or even children’s toys in apartment complexes can all cause falls.
Businesses are supposed to keep walkways clear at all times. This means not only cleaning up spills but also removing obstacles and making sure shelves and displays are stable and out of the way. Failing to do so can make them liable for any injuries that result. If clutter or debris caused your fall, a slip and fall injury lawyer can support you in holding the responsible party accountable.
Don’t forget about construction zones, too. In Philadelphia, construction is always happening. Property owners and companies must warn people about tools, materials, and temporary hazards. If you’re injured in a cluttered area, save any evidence and contact an attorney quickly.
Faulty Stairs and Handrails
Stairways are a common site for slip and fall accidents, especially when they’re not built or maintained properly. Broken steps, loose or missing handrails, worn carpet, or uneven risers can cause serious injuries. Falls on stairs often lead to more severe harm than ground-level slips.
Property owners must make sure stairs are safe and meet building codes. This means repairing damage, keeping surfaces clean, and installing solid handrails. Without these precautions, people can easily lose their footing. If you suffer a fall on stairs due to these issues, a slip and fall injury attorney can help you pursue a claim for medical costs, pain, and lost wages.
Even one missing handrail or loose board can make a staircase unsafe. If your fall happened on someone else’s property, document the scene and seek medical care right away. An attorney can help determine whether the property owner was negligent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in Philadelphia
What should I do immediately after a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia?
If you’re injured in a slip and fall, your health comes first. Get medical care at once, even if you feel okay. Report the accident to the property owner or manager and make sure they create an incident report. Take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and anything that caused your fall. Collect contact info for any witnesses. Finally, contact a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer to discuss your rights.
How do I prove a property owner is responsible for my slip and fall injury?
To hold a property owner responsible, you need to show they knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn you. Evidence like photos, witness statements, and maintenance records can help. A Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help gather and present proof to strengthen your claim.
Can I get compensation if I was partly at fault for my slip and fall accident?
Yes, Pennsylvania law allows you to recover damages even if you were partly at fault, as long as your share of blame is less than 51%. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% responsible, you’ll receive 80% of the total damages.
How long do I have to file a slip and fall lawsuit in Philadelphia?
Most slip and fall claims in Pennsylvania must be filed within two years of the accident date. There are exceptions, so contact a slip and fall attorney in Philadelphia as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation. If you wait too long, you may lose your chance to recover damages.
Other Resources About Slip and Fall Accident Fundamentals
- Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Claims in PA
- How to Document Evidence After a Slip and Fall Accident
- Types of Injuries Resulting from Slip and Fall Accidents
- Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Philadelphia
- What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Accident in Pennsylvania?
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