All of us have found ourselves losing our balance, with results varying from mild embarrassment to sprains or broken bones. In some cases, a slip and fall can cause significant damage – and a property owner’s negligence might be to blame. Today, we cover some of the most common places a person might sustain this type of injury in Pennsylvania and who can be held responsible.
Sidewalks and parking lots
Many slip and fall accidents happen in parking lots or on the sidewalk, especially in winter. It is up to the property owner to address uneven sidewalks or icy conditions promptly. Under Harmotta v. Bender (1992), someone injured because of ice or snow can recover compensation from the property owner if they failed to act within a reasonable time to remove snow or ice when they have notice it is a dangerous condition.
Bars, restaurants and grocery stores
Wet floors can be incredibly dangerous, especially if visitors to a business are not aware of the risk. Establishments that sell food and drink are prone to having spills, and if they are not cleaned up or marked in a reasonable time, someone who gets hurt has a strong case for slip and fall.
Apartment buildings
Property hazards or structural damages are another common cause of falls. Owners of apartment buildings must maintain lighting, carpeting, support railings, and stairs to ensure residents are reasonably safe.
Construction sites
Dangerous conditions on construction sites must be marked to alert those walking by of potential dangers. Contractors and sub-contractors can be held liable for failure to warn if someone gets hurt.
If you were injured in a slip and fall accident, consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney to learn your options.