Slip and fall accidents can cause serious and even hidden injuries that may not become apparent until days or weeks afterward. If you or a loved one have been injured in a slip and fall accident that could have prevented, our Harrisburg slip and fall lawyers are here to help. Victims of a slip and fall may be eligible to pursue compensation in a claim to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Your help was beyond value. There is no way I could be where I am today with your efforts. Thank you!
– Schmidt Kramer Client.
We have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of our clients and our lawyers have a thorough knowledge of the laws that relate to slip and fall accidents in Pennsylvania. We can help to determine if you have a case and if so, the most effective method of pursing a compensation claim. Victims of a slip and fall accident may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and more.
It’s free to talk to a lawyer at our firm to help determine if you have a case, there are no upfront fees if you choose to hire us and we only get paid when we obtain a recovery on your behalf.
Talk to a lawyer today—call (717) 888-8888.
How a Slip & Fall Lawyer Can Help
Slip and fall victims that hire an attorney to represent them usually recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not have legal representation.
No two slip and fall accidents are alike, but there are several things that are generally required to help establish liability. You and your lawyer need to show that the slip and fall was due to a hazard or dangerous condition that the owner of the property was negligent in correcting.
Slip and fall victims that hire an attorney to represent them usually recover more financial compensation compared to those that do not have legal representation.
Under Pennsylvania law, you must prove that the property owner did not act in a reasonable manner compared to someone else under similar circumstances. Any other person would have been able to identify the dangerous condition that caused you harm and corrected the issue immediately before injuring someone.
Property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe. The specific measures an owner must abide by are dependent on the legal status of the visitor at the time of injury.
Visitors are classified as invitees, licensees, or trespassers. An invitee is someone the property owner invites onto the premise, typically for a business-related purpose. The highest duty of care must be given to invitees.
A licensee is someone the property owner invites onto the premise for a non-business related purpose, such as a friend or family member. While the same duty of care is not owed to a licensee, a property owner must still warn licensees of any known hazards or dangerous conditions.
Trespassers, on the other hand, are not invited onto the premise by the property owner. The owner has no duty of care to a trespasser if he or she is unaware of his or her presence on the property. The only duty required is to not intentionally harm the trespasser without reasonable cause.
The law does not hold children who trespass to the same standard and they may be owed a higher duty of care than adult trespassers.
Liability in a slip and fall accident can be hard to establish, which is why we encourage that you consult with an experienced legal professional. A Harrisburg slip and fall lawyer from our firm is ready to help.
Complete our Free Case Evaluation form to get started.
What is My Case Worth?
When outpatient treatment costs, medication expenses and medical treatment bills are being paid out of pocket, many slip and fall victims face financial hardship. This often leads victims to question the value of their potential case.
Have Some Questions? We Have Answers.
Call Today. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
As each slip and fall incident is unique and many different circumstances can contribute to an incident, it can be difficult to determine the exact value of a case. However, we have successfully represented injured Pennsylvania residents for decades and can help to provide the answers that you need as we investigate the details of your specific incident.
Some forms of compensation you may be eligible for include:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income
- Future earning capabilities
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Impairment or disability
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
If you share responsibility for your slip and fall, any amount of compensation awarded would be reduced according to your percentage of fault. This is in accordance with the state’s modified comparative negligence rule. For instance, if you are awarded $150,000 but are found 20 percent responsible for your injury, your award amount will be reduced by 20 percent or $30,000. This will leave you with a final amount of $120,000.
However, it is important to note that you cannot collect any compensation if you are found to be more than 51 percent responsible for the slip and fall accident. In other words, you cannot be more at fault than the party you are seeking compensation from.
Free Consultation. Ph: (717) 888-8888.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means that injury victims have two years after the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Standing water on the ground, a crack in the sidewalk, or an uneven stairway—all of these scenarios could lead to a slip and fall accident. Was there a caution sign? Were you warned of dangerous conditions?
The causes of a slip and fall accident vary and may include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and even clutter. Other potential scenarios include:
- Recently mopped or waxed floors
- Cluttered hallways, aisles or walkways
- Broken or loose floorboards, handrails and ramps
- Unstable surfaces, such as torn rugs or carpeting
- Poor lighting
- Potholes in parking lots
These hazards can be found on both public and private property, such as:
- Retail stores (i.e. department, grocery, warehouse, convenience and shopping malls)
- Sidewalks, parking lots and garages
- Stadiums and arenas
- Bars, movie theatres and restaurants
- Amusement parks and public parks
- Private residences
- Office buildings
- Construction sites
- Nursing homes
A slip and fall accident can affect everyone differently, very young children and older adults are more likely to suffer from serious injuries, such as broken bones. Many other victims endure head trauma, sprains and strains, and back and neck injuries. If you were at a business where a slip and fall hazard was not properly indicated, the owner of the business may be held responsible for your injuries.
Do not wait to seek the compensation you need — speak with a member of our legal team today. Your safety may not have been the property owner’s focus, but it is ours.
Were You Warned Of Dangerous Conditions?
Standing water on the ground, a crack in the sidewalk, or an uneven stairway—all of these scenarios could lead to a slip and fall accident. Was there a caution sign? Did you have a fair warning?
The causes of a slip and fall accident vary and may include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and even clutter. All property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe premises—it’s their duty to ensure your safety on their property.
Some causes of a slip, trip and/or fall incident may include:
- Spilled liquids that are not cleaned up
- No signage to warn of a dangerous area
- Freshly waxed floors
- Snow/ice coverage
- Uneven surfaces (like bunched carpeting or uneven concrete)
- Loose wiring
- Extension cords that are not taped down
- Trash/debris
- Unmarked potholes
- Broken stairs
- Lack of a grab/hand rail
A slip and fall accident can affect everyone differently, very young children and older adults are more likely to suffer from serious injuries, such as broken bones. Many other victims endure head trauma, sprains and strains, and back and neck injuries. If you were on a business premises that did not properly indicate a slip and fall hazard they may be held responsible for your injuries.
Don’t wait to get the compensation you deserve—Talk to Schmidt Kramer, Your safety may not have been the property owner’s focus, but it is ours.
Contact a Harrisburg Slip and Fall Attorney
With more than 30 years of legal experience, the attorneys at our law firm can help to obtain the compensation you need for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and more.
At Schmidt Kramer, we are dedicated to helping personal injury victims get the justice they deserve. Our Pennsylvania injury lawyers will walk you through the legal process and our office is located at 209 State Street, just blocks from the United States District Court – Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out a free online consultation form.