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Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment, you’re walking into a store; the next, you’re on the ground in pain. If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall in Philadelphia, you need a slip and fall lawyer on your side. At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys fight for accident victims. We know the law and we’re ready to help. You shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences of someone else’s negligence on your own. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to reach out for consultation.
The Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents
Some people brush off slip and fall accidents. They seem minor compared to car crashes or other injuries. But don’t be fooled. Slip and fall accidents are dangerous. They can cause major harm.
Every year, over 1 million Americans go to the ER because of slip and falls. Slip and falls are the leading cause of workers’ comp claims. They’re also the top cause of injury for older adults. 1 in 5 falls causes a serious injury like broken bones or a head injury.
Slip and falls can happen anywhere. Wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven surfaces, poor lighting – these hazards are everywhere. Businesses and property owners must keep you safe. When they fail, you can get badly hurt. That’s when you need a Philadelphia slip and fall attorney.
The costs of a slip and fall go beyond just physical pain. You might face expensive medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and a long recovery process. An experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer can help you get the financial support you need.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents cause all kinds of injuries. At Gibbons & Crichton, we’ve seen it all. Some common injuries are:
- Head injuries: Hitting your head in a fall can cause a concussion or traumatic brain injury. These can have lifelong effects.
- Broken bones: Fractures are some of the most common slip and fall injuries. Wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures can happen if you try to catch yourself as you fall.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: A hard fall can fracture vertebrae or herniate discs in your back. In serious cases, a fall could injure the spinal cord, leading to permanent paralysis.
- Knee damage: Twisting as you fall can cause tears in knee ligaments and tendons. These injuries can require surgery and long recovery times.
- Shoulder injuries: Landing on your shoulder can tear your rotator cuff. Shoulder injuries limit your ability to work and do daily tasks.
No matter what type of injury you’re facing, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can still cause long-term damage. Keep track of all medical records and expenses. If you’ve been hurt, you need a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia.
Our attorneys know how to get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
The first thing to do after a slip and fall is to get medical help. Your health comes first. Go to the doctor or hospital right away. Some injuries aren’t obvious at first. Don’t wait to get checked out.
Even if you think it’s just a bruise or a sprain, it’s best to have a medical professional take a look. This will also provide important documentation of your injuries.
- Report the accident to the property owner. Make sure they know what happened. Ask them to make an incident report and get a copy. Get names and contact info for any witnesses.
- Take photos of the accident scene if you can. Get pictures of what made you fall – puddles, uneven flooring, broken stairs, etc. Take photos of any visible injuries, too. This evidence can be crucial in building your case later on.
- Write down everything you remember about how the accident happened. What were you doing right before the fall? How did you fall and land? Detail any pain. It’s best to do this as soon as possible while the memory is still fresh.
- Call a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer. The insurance companies will try to minimize your claim. A slip and fall attorney knows how to fight for what you deserve. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, build your case, and negotiate with the insurance company. If needed, they’ll take your case to trial. Don’t try to handle this process alone – you need experienced legal representation.
Slip and Fall Accidents are Premises Liability Cases in Pennsylvania
If you slipped or tripped on another party’s property in Philadelphia, any case that you have will be under Pennsylvania law. Slip and fall claims fall under the broader category of premises liability law in Pennsylvania. Property owners and occupiers owe a duty of care to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. When a dangerous condition exists and someone is injured, the owner may be held legally responsible. Liability depends on whether the owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to correct it.
Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Accident Case in Philadelphia
It is important to emphasize that neither a business nor a property owner is automatically liable for a slip and fall accident that happened on its premises in Philadelphia. Under Pennsylvania Commonwealth law, certain things must be proven in order to establish liability. Here is an overview of some of the key elements of slip and fall accident liability:
- Duty of Care: To start, the property owner or occupier owed you a legal duty to keep the premises reasonably safe. The scope of duty depends on whether you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser as defined by Pennsylvania law.
- Breach of Duty: Next, you must prove that your accident happened because of the defendant’s negligence. The property owner or property occupier (business) must have failed to correct or warn of a hazardous condition. You must show that the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
- Causation: Causation is an important element in a slip and fall accident injury claim in Pennsylvania. The breach directly caused your fall and injuries. Without a clear link, the owner may deny responsibility.
- Damages: Finally, you must suffer actual harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Documented evidence of damages is essential for recovery. You cannot recover slip and fall accident compensation without proving your damages.
Know the Deadline: Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in Philadelphia
As with any other type of personal injury claim, slip and fall accident cases are time-sensitive. There is a strict deadline to take action. A two-year statute of limitations applies. In other words, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait to get a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia. There are strict deadlines to file legal claims.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to compensation. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of a successful outcome. Evidence can disappear, and memories can fade over time. You do not want to fall behind the defense or insurance company: Consult with a Philadelphia slip and fall accident attorney right away after a bad fall.
We Fight for the Maximum Compensation for Slip and Fall Victims in Philadelphia
Were you hurt in a slip and fall in Philadelphia or elsewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania? You have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. You may be wondering what your case is worth. The value depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident. We’ll give you an honest assessment and fight to maximize your compensation. Do not rely on any insurance company to fairly value your case. Along with other damages, your slip and fall settlement may include financial compensation for:
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Medications;
- Medical equipment;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Reduced future earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability; and
- Permanent impairment.
How Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Attorneys Can Help
Slip and fall accident claims are complicated. You may have a lot of questions about your rights, your options, and the law after a serious accident. At Gibbons & Crichton, we’re committed to helping slip and fall victims. We know you’re going through a tough time.
Medical bills are piling up. You’re missing work and losing income. You’re in constant pain. We want to help. Our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers will give your case the attention it deserves. With more than $100 million in financial compensation secured for victims and families across our practice areas, our case results tell the story best. You can hear it directly from our former clients.
We’ll listen to your story and answer all your questions. We’ll gather evidence, get medical records, and interview witnesses. If needed, we’ll bring in experts to prove how the property owner was negligent. With us on your side, you can focus on your health and recovery.
We’ll handle everything else. We’ll file all the paperwork and keep your case on track. Our slip and fall lawyers in Philadelphia have recovered millions for accident victims. We know how to get results.
Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Philadelphia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I have a valid slip-and-fall claim in Pennsylvania?
Call a lawyer. These are complicated cases, and it is a highly technical area of law. You may have a claim if you slipped or tripped due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. The owner or occupier must have created the hazard or failed to fix it after knowing about it. Never assume that you have a valid case. A lawyer can evaluate whether the facts support liability under state law.
What if I were partially at fault for my own fall?
You still have options available to seek financial compensation. Pennsylvania uses modified comparative negligence. Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7102, you can recover damages if you are less than 51 percent responsible for your own slip and fall accident. With that being said, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
What role does medical evidence play in my case?
A very big one. In fact, medical records are essential to proving your injury. They document the diagnosis, treatment, and impact on your ability to work. Without medical evidence, insurers may argue your injury was unrelated or exaggerated. Make sure you see a doctor right away after a bad slip and fall accident. Beyond that, you need to attend all follow-up appointments.
Can I sue if I fell on government property in Pennsylvania?
Yes, absolutely. However, there are different rules, regulations, and procedural requirements that apply. Indeed, premises liability claims against government entities follow stricter rules. One key thing to know is that you must provide formal written notice within six months of the fall. Failure to comply can bar your right to sue.
You Can Always Afford the Best Philadelphia Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
Following a serious slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania, the last thing that you need to worry about is another bill that has to be paid. Here is good: You can always afford a top-tier slip and fall accident attorney in Philadelphia. At Gibbons & Crichton, we represent slip and fall accident victims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees. We only get paid when you recover compensation. Your initial consultation is free and carries zero further obligations.
Get Help from a Top Philadelphia Slip and Fall Attorney Now
At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia slip and fall accident lawyers have the professional experience that you can trust. If you were hurt in a serious slip and fall or trip and fall, we can help.
Contact us today. Your consultation with Gibbons & Crichton is free and confidential. Contact us today and let a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer fight for you. We’re here to help you get back on your feet after an accident. From our office in Philadelphia, we represent slip and fall accident victims throughout all of Southeastern Pennsylvania, including in 19102, 19103, 19104, 19106, 19107, 19111, 19112, 19114, and many more communities.
