Haverford, PA
Silver & Silver, a personal injury law firm serving clients throughout Pennsylvania, today shared information about how property owner liability is assessed in slip and fall cases, with a focus on individuals in Haverford and the surrounding area.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and soft tissue damage, and the circumstances surrounding the fall often determine whether a property owner can be held legally responsible. Understanding what factors are evaluated in these cases can help injured individuals make more informed decisions about their options. Dealing with injuries can be stressful, both emotionally and financially, which is why speaking with someone on our team can help ease the burden of figuring out what to do next.Â
“A lot of people assume that if they fell on someone else’s property, they automatically have a claim or, on the other end, that nothing can be done,” said Cynthia J. Silver, managing attorney at Silver & Silver. “The reality is more nuanced. What matters is whether the property owner knew about the hazard, whether they had a reasonable opportunity to address it, and whether the failure to do so led to someone getting hurt. That’s what we look at.”
In Pennsylvania, property owners have a legal duty of care toward individuals who are lawfully on their property. When a dangerous condition exists and the owner fails to address it or warn visitors, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries under premises liability law.
Several factors are typically considered when evaluating whether a property owner may be liable. How long the hazardous condition was present is often central to the analysis, for example, a freshly spilled liquid is evaluated differently than one that had been there for hours. Whether the owner or manager had actual knowledge of the problem, or should have discovered it through reasonable inspection, is also a key question.
The legal status of the injured person on the property can affect the duty of care owed to them. Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rules may also come into play if the injured party is found to have contributed to the circumstances of the fall.
Silver & Silver encourages anyone who has been injured in a slip and fall to report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of any incident report. Photographing the hazard and the surrounding area as soon as possible, seeking prompt medical attention, and keeping detailed records of injuries and their impact on daily life are all steps that can be important in evaluating and supporting a potential claim.
The firm also notes that acting in a timely manner is important, both to preserve evidence and to ensure that any applicable filing deadlines are not missed. When someone is dealing with recovering from an injury, potentially missing work, and stressed about the financial impact of their fall, it is easy to delay the legal process. Connecting with a member of the Silver & Silver team early can help injured individuals feel supported in understanding their options and taking the next steps forward.
Silver & Silver is a respected law firm serving clients across Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley. Cindy Silver, recognized for her extensive experience advocating for injured individuals, was named The Face of Excellence in Personal Injury Law by Main Line Today. Silver & Silver’s trusted team of attorneys focuses on protecting clients’ rights and pursuing meaningful results.
For more information about Silver & Silver and the firm’s personal injury practice, contact the firm directly.
Disclosure:
This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver and Silver, we are not your legal representatives.
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Cindy Silver
Silver & Silver
(610) 658-1900
