Munley Law’s Hazleton slip and fall accident lawyers have nearly seven decades of experience helping injured victims recover physically and financially. We understand how quickly a fall can disrupt your life, and how important it is to act fast to protect your interests.
If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may have the right to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Munley Law has earned national recognition for results, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a track record of record-setting verdicts and settlements. Our Hazleton attorneys are consistently recognized by legal organizations such as Lawdragon and Best Lawyers in America. We prepare every case for trial and fight to maximize your recovery.
Our Hazleton slip and fall attorneys will guide you through every step of your case, from investigating your fall to negotiating with insurers or taking your case to court when necessary.
Contact us today to begin the process of fighting for the compensation that is rightfully yours. We charge no fees unless we win your case.
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How Common Are Slip and Fall Accidents in the US and Hazleton?
Slip and fall accidents remain one of the most frequent and costly causes of injury in the United States, affecting people in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Safety Council (NSC), falls are a leading cause of both non-fatal injuries and preventable deaths nationwide.
While Hazleton reflects national trends, these incidents often occur due to unsafe property conditions that could have been prevented.
- The CDC reports that over 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments each year for fall injuries, with more than 1 million hospitalizations annually.
- Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults aged 65 and older, with more than 48,000 deaths recorded in 2024.
- The NSC estimates that falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits each year, making them one of the most common causes of preventable injuries.
- The CDC confirms that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the U.S.
- Among older adults, 1 in 4 experiences a fall each year, and the risk increases significantly with age and underlying health conditions.
- Workplace data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that slips, trips, and falls account for a substantial portion of occupational injuries, particularly in construction, transportation, and maintenance industries.
- Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) identifies falls as the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide.
These statistics highlight how common (and preventable) slip and fall accidents are, reinforcing the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable when unsafe conditions lead to serious injuries.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries?
Slippery surfaces are the main cause of slip and fall injuries, and most falls occur at ground level (CDC). Age, health, and environmental factors contribute to the severity of falls.
- Elevated falls account for approximately 40% of compensable fall cases, with about 10% of the cases involving occupational fatalities.
- Same-level falls account for approximately 60% of compensable fall cases.
Some contributing factors are typically:
- Wet floors and stairs
- Snow-covered or icy sidewalks and stairs
- Unsafe work conditions, especially if work is performed at an elevation, such as on a ladder
- Poor maintenance of walk areas
- Inappropriate flooring materials that can make slips and trips easier
- Inadequate lighting
What Should You Do Immediately After a Slip and Fall Accident in Hazleton?
To pursue your claim, you must establish and prove that the party at fault was negligent. Negligence can be shown with evidence proving that the owner or manager did not exercise reasonable care in keeping their property safe.
Here’s what you should do immediately after a slip and fall accident to protect yourself and your claim:
- Seek medical care to rule out broken bones, sprains, and concussions/head injuries. Even if you feel you “are ok,” you must seek medical care; adrenaline can heighten your experience and cause you to underestimate it. Medical documentation is key in establishing a trail regarding your treatment.
- Report your accident to the authorities and/or to business management, the owner, or the landlord to create an accident report (make sure to ask for a copy!).
- Document what you can. If possible, take photos of the scene/environment where your slip and fall occurred, and your injuries.
- Collect eyewitness information and testimonies if you are able. Do not make any statements!
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to review your case and to consult with.
Property owners must provide a safe environment and address safety concerns promptly and effectively; failure to do so may constitute negligence, whether or not they were aware of the risk.
Who Can Be Liable For Your Hazleton Slip and Fall Accident?
Private property owners and commercial business owners owe guests and invitees a duty of care, meaning they must keep the property safe or appropriately warn comers of potential hazardous situations, and provide alternatives. When an invitee is injured in a slip and fall case, a claim can be filed under personal injury law or premises liability.
- Personal injury law: Prove that your injury was due to another person or entity’s negligence.
- Premises liability: A legal term that holds an owner liable for any injuries to a person that occurred on their property; you must prove the property owner’s negligence.
The claim will usually be filed against the property owners for their negligence, with the intention of covering the costs of their physical injuries, including medical expenses, wages lost from missed work, and more.
What Are Common Injuries in Slip and Fall Accidents?
One slip and fall accident is not like another. Each case is unique, with many variables that determine the length of recovery and recuperation; tragic circumstances are sometimes catastrophic or even fatal. Injuries can include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Soft tissue injuries (to tendons, ligaments, and organs)
- Shoulder and neck injuries
- Hip fractures
- Sprained or strained ankles, wrists, or other joints
- Cuts and abrasions
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
How Much Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident in Hazleton?
The value of a slip and fall claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and how the accident impacts your ability to work and live normally. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. In more serious cases, damages can also cover long-term care or permanent disability.
At Munley Law, we carefully evaluate every aspect of your case and pursue the maximum recovery available. Whilst every claim is different, strong evidence of negligence and clear documentation of your losses can significantly increase the value of your case.
How Can a Hazleton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
A Hazleton slip and fall accident lawyer from Munley Law can guide your claim from start to finish, handling everything from investigating the cause of your fall to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
When insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and continue negotiations throughout litigation – often resulting in stronger offers once trial becomes a real possibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Hazleton
Can I Sue a Business for a Slip and Fall Accident?
Yes, if the business failed to maintain safe conditions or did not warn about hazards, they can be held liable. Businesses have a legal duty to protect customers from foreseeable dangers. This includes fixing hazards promptly or clearly marking dangerous areas.
What If the Accident Happened at Work?
If your slip and fall occurred on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In some cases, you may also have a third-party claim if someone other than your employer was responsible. An attorney can help determine all available avenues for recovery.
What Evidence Is Most Important in a Slip and Fall Case?
Strong evidence includes photos of the hazard, surveillance footage, incident reports, medical records, and witness statements. Maintenance logs and inspection records can also prove negligence. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for My Fall?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your total compensation will be reduced by that amount.
How Much Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and how the injury impacts your daily life. Cases involving permanent injuries or long-term disability typically result in higher settlements or verdicts.
Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer at Munley Law
At Munley Law, our attorneys are nationally recognized trial lawyers with a long history of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for injury victims. We have board-certified civil trial advocates, and attorneys consistently recognized for excellence in personal injury litigation, reflecting our commitment to client advocacy and results.
We handle every case on a contingency fee basis as part of our promise to you: you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win. Contact us if you want to resolve and receive fair compensation for your slip and fall accident injury.
Robert W. Munley, III
Robert W. Munley, III is a recognized and highly accredited premises liability lawyer. Bob has served thousands of injured victims, winning millions in compensation. He has been appointed to Best Lawyers in America since 2013, and has been a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2011.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on August 12, 2026.
