(235+)When winter ice coats Philadelphia’s sidewalks, or summer rains leave cracked pavement slick with water, a simple walk can turn dangerous in seconds. When this happens, knowing your legal rights and understanding who is responsible for your injuries can be crucial. At Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know the headache these situations bring, and we are here to help. If you are injured in a sidewalk slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Philadelphia sidewalk slip & fall lawyers are here to help you fight for that.
Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident on Sidewalks in Philadelphia?
Slip and fall accidents on sidewalks are more common than you might think. In many cases, the victim may not be aware that someone could be legally responsible for the accident. In Philadelphia, liability for sidewalk slips and falls generally hinges on who controls the sidewalk. This could be a private property owner, the city, or another public entity. Pennsylvania law requires property owners to maintain their sidewalks in a reasonably safe condition. That means if the sidewalk outside someone’s home or business is cracked, uneven, or icy, they could be held responsible if someone falls.
But it is not always clear-cut. Determining liability depends on a variety of factors, including the location of the sidewalk, the condition that caused the fall, and the actions of the injured party. For this reason, you need a knowledgeable Pennsylvania sidewalk slip & fall attorney to assess your case.
What Does Pennsylvania’s No-Fault Rule Mean?
Pennsylvania’s status as a no-fault state makes personal injury cases even more complicated. Under this rule, your insurance company has to pay for the initial hospital bills after an accident, no matter who caused the accident. This applies to car accidents but can sometimes influence other personal injury claims, including sidewalk falls.
While the no-fault system provides quick access to medical coverage, it does not prevent you from pursuing legal action against a responsible party. If your injuries are severe or if you face long-term medical issues, a Pennsylvania sidewalk slip & fall lawyer can help you seek additional compensation from the responsible party. This could cover pain and suffering and other damages that go beyond your medical bills.
Common Causes of Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
In Pennsylvania, sidewalk slip and fall accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some of the most common causes include:
- Uneven pavement: Cracks or shifts in the sidewalk create trip hazards that can be difficult to see.
- Ice and snow: In the winter, ice and snow are the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks but sometimes they fail to do so in a timely manner.
- Debris or obstructions: Items left on the sidewalk, like trash or construction materials, can cause pedestrians to trip.
- Poor lighting: When sidewalks are poorly lit, it becomes harder for people to notice hazards hence increasing the likelihood of falls.
When any of these factors are present, the responsibility may lie with the person or entity responsible for maintaining the sidewalk. Keep in mind that different parties may be responsible for sidewalk accidents depending on the location and circumstances:
- Property owners: Homeowners and businesses must maintain sidewalks bordering their properties
- Commercial landlords: Building owners have heightened responsibilities in high-traffic areas
- The City of Philadelphia: May be liable for hazards on municipal property or when failing to address reported dangers
- Construction companies: When work creates unsafe conditions
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall
If you suffer a slip and fall on a sidewalk, the steps you take immediately after can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Consider the following:
- Seek medical attention: Your health should always come first. Have your injuries checked and documented by a medical professional, no matter how minor.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the sidewalk where you fell. Be sure to capture any cracks, uneven surfaces, or ice that may have contributed to your accident. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information.
- Report the incident: Depending on where the fall occurred, you may need to report the incident to the property owner, a business manager, or the city. This creates an official record of your accident.
- Contact a Pennsylvania sidewalk slip and fall attorney: The legal process can be overwhelming, but having a skilled attorney by your side makes a significant difference. At Gibbons & Crichton, we have extensive experience handling sidewalk slip and fall cases, and we can guide you through each step of the process.
Why You Need a Pennsylvania Sidewalk Slip & Fall Lawyer
While slip and fall accidents might seem straightforward, the legal process of recovering compensation can be complicated. Liability is not always clear, and property owners, businesses, and even the city may all try to avoid responsibility.
At Gibbons & Crichton, Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we have the knowledge and resources to investigate your accident, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the unique challenges that come with sidewalk slip and fall cases in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
We understand how to gather evidence proving negligence, including:
- Surveillance footage
- Maintenance records
- Weather reports
- Witness statements
- Photos of the hazardous condition
- Municipal complaint records
Protect Your Rights with Gibbons & Crichton
Slip and fall accidents can have a significant impact on your life and often lead to costly medical bills, time off work, and ongoing pain.
You should not have to deal with these burdens alone. At Gibbons & Crichton, we are committed to helping slip-and-fall victims mitigate their legal options and get the compensation they deserve. If you were hurt in a sidewalk slip and fall, do not wait.
Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced Pennsylvania sidewalk slip & fall attorney. “Got hurt? Get Gibbons!” Whether your accident happened in southeastern Pennsylvania or southeastern New Jersey, we are here to help.
