Slip and Fall Attorney

Our Slip and Fall Attorney is Here to Help

As the victim of a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation. If the fall wasn’t your fault, a slip and fall accident lawyer can help you recover costs associated with your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.

Don’t wait – the sooner you speak with a Munley Law slip and fall lawyer, the sooner you can begin recovering financial compensation. Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step to getting your life back on track.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a law that holds property owners accountable for any dangerous conditions on their property, whether it is a grocery store, an apartment building, or a single-family home. A property owner is responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe for visitors. This includes mopping spills, fixing broken stairs, or clearing snow and ice.

Unexpected falls are a surprisingly common occurrence in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Over 800,000 Americans visit the hospital each year due to slip and fall accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Slip and fall accidents can lead to severe head injuries, broken bones, and significant medical bills.

According to premises liability laws, if a property owner fails to keep his or her environment safe and you are injured, you can file a personal injury lawsuit for damages you incurred.

For example, imagine you’re walking in a grocery store and slip on a wet floor that wasn’t marked with a warning sign. If you sustained injuries from that fall, you would have a premises liability case against the grocery store owner. The same goes for a poorly lit staircase at a restaurant or cracked sidewalks outside an apartment building. If you fall and are injured because of those dangerous conditions, you may have the right to seek compensation.

Why do Slip and Fall Personal Injuries Occur?

While some accidents are unavoidable, they are often due to a property owner’s negligence. Some of the most common causes of a slip and fall accident are:

• Uneven, broken sidewalks
• Debris on public paths and walkways
• Poorly lit walking areas
• Slippery or wet floors
• Snow or ice that has not been removed after it has stopped accumulating
• Improperly installed flooring
• Damaged or poorly maintained steps or stairs
• Missing or insufficient handrails
• Exposed cords or wiring
• Hidden dangers

Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents and Injuries Happen?

Slip and fall accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, but some places are more common. Here’s a look at some everyday locations where falls can occur:

• Stores and Malls
• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Public Sidewalks
• Workplaces
• Homes owned by family or friends
• Hospitals and Senior Living Centers
• Apartment complexes
• Hotels
• Theaters

It’s important to remember this isn’t an exhaustive list. If you were injured on someone’s property because they failed to take reasonable care of it, creating an unsafe condition or dangerous situation, a Munley Law slip and fall attorney could help. Our team will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and start the claims process.

Suffering a Slip and Fall Injury in the Workplace

Did you know that falls are a leading cause of death in the workplace? In 2021, falls accounted for 16% of all fatal work injuries in the US. These accidents can happen anywhere, even in seemingly safe environments like retail stores. Imagine a worker reaching for something high on a shelf or grabbing supplies in the back, losing their balance, and suffering severe injuries as a result – believe it or not, that is a widespread occurrence.

Manufacturing and construction jobs in the U.S. are especially risky, with many hazards that can cause slip and fall accidents.

You might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve been injured in a work-related slip and fall. Munley Law’s workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the maximum benefits as you recover from your injury.

What Injuries Can I Sustain After a Slip and Fall Accident?

One of 5 falls causes a serious injury like broken bones or head injuries. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. A slip and fall case causes 95% of hip fractures.

Other injuries a slip and fall victim may sustain in the accident are:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Knee injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Sprained ankles or wrists
• Spinal cord injuries
• Nerve damage
• Dislocated shoulders
• Lacerations

What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?

After the shock of a slip and fall injury subsides, it’s essential to take the following steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Here’s what you should do:

• Seek medical attention: This is the most essential step. Get checked by a doctor to determine the extent of your injuries and document your condition.
• Report the accident: If you fall on public or private property, report the incident to the property owner or building manager. Get a copy of the accident report if available.
• Gather evidence: Take pictures of the fall scene, the hazard that caused it, and any visible injuries you sustain. Note the date, time, and weather conditions.
• Keep all receipts: Save any receipts related to medical bills, medications, transportation costs, or lost wages due to the accident.
• Don’t discuss fault: Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident in detail with anyone besides your doctor or lawyer.
• Contact a Munley Law slip and fall lawyer: An experienced Munley attorney will act as your legal champion throughout the entire personal injury claim. Our lawyers will ensure your rights are protected and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.

Why Hire Munley Law For Your Slip and Fall Accident?

For almost 65 years, the slip and fall attorneys at Munley Law have represented accident victims across the United States.  Our lawyers have consistently been named among the Best Lawyers in America by the legal guide Best Lawyers, and Munley Law has been listed among the nation’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report.

Our results speak for themselves: we have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of our clients. If you have suffered an injury in a slip and fall or other premises liability accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will evaluate the details of your case at no charge and answer any questions you may have about what to do next. Call or fill out our contact form.

What is the Legal Process for a Slip and Fall Claim?

Slip and fall injury cases fall under the umbrella of premises liability. Under that theory, property owners, lessees, and occupants have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of visitors.

There are four elements a slip and fall lawyer must prove in your fall case: duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages:

• Duty of care: The property owner owed you a duty to keep the premises safe.
• Breach of duty: The owner breached this duty by failing to maintain the property safely.
• Causation: The owner’s breach of duty caused your fall and injuries.
• Damages: You suffered damages from the fall, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

So, how will a slip and fall injury lawyer prove that in your claim? Let’s break it down even further:

Proving Your Legal Right To Be On the Property

Duty of care starts with your right to be on someone else’s property in the first place. Pennsylvania law categorizes people who enter another person’s premises into one of three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Your slip and fall lawyer will prove you are owed the highest duty of care.

• An invitee has the express or implied invitation to enter a premises. For example, a customer at a grocery store has the implied invitation to join the grocery store during business hours.
• A licensee enters a premises for their purpose or benefit. For example, a guest goes to a friend’s house for a social visit.
• A trespasser has minimal legal rights because they cannot be on the property.

Holding the Property Owner Liable For Your Slip and Fall Injury

Next, you must prove a breach of duty. To do so, you must determine who should be liable for the victim’s injuries. Your slip and fall lawyer will document the property owner’s knowledge of the hazardous condition that caused your fall. This may involve reviewing maintenance records, an incident report, or building codes. Your lawyer will ask:

• Could the property owner have prevented the slip and fall accident?
• What were the conditions of the property before the accident?
• Was the property owner aware of the conditions that led to the accident?
• Did the proprietor try to warn patrons/visitors of the hazard?
• Was the property owner the cause of the dangerous condition (such as spilling water on the floor, making it slippery)?

Demonstrating the Extent of Your Slip and Fall Injuries

The next step is to prove the causation of the fall injuries. An experienced attorney who has the financial backing and local resources will be able to collaborate with medical professionals to document the severity of your injuries and link them directly to the fall. This helps establish the damages you’ve suffered.

Demanding Full Compensation

Finally, your slip and fall lawyer will negotiate fair compensation with the insurance company. If negotiations do not end in a fair settlement, your personal injury attorney will take your case to court.

How to Choose the Best Slip and Fall Lawyer for Your Lawsuit

After you suffer injuries in a slip and fall accident, finding the right lawyer is essential. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer with a proven track record of handling slip and fall cases. Do not hesitate to ask questions during your free consultation: how many cases have you handled? How many were successful? How much compensation were you able to recover for your client?
• Focus on slip and fall cases: While many lawyers handle personal injury, choose one specializing in slip and fall accidents. This expertise ensures they’re up-to-date on relevant local laws and have the specific experience needed for your situation.
• Communication style: During your consultation, assess the lawyer’s communication style. Do they explain things clearly and answer your questions in a way you understand? Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and who keeps you informed throughout the process.
• Fees and costs: Working with a lawyer who offers their legal services on a contingency fee basis is crucial. A sudden slip and fall injury can lead to unexpected medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. Paying upfront costs in a personal injury claim will only add to your financial stress. Working on a contingency fee basis means you only pay your lawyer if they win your claim.

Choose a Slip and Fall Attorney at Munley Law to Represent You

Slip and fall accidents can feel like a confusing mess. The property owner might even try to pin the blame on you. But here’s the good news: even if you’re unsure who’s at fault, Pennsylvania law allows you to recover compensation if the owner’s negligence played a role in your fall.

An experienced slip and fall attorney can help you navigate this situation and fight for your deserved compensation. Don’t wait any longer – contact Munley Law today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and get you back on your feet.