Trip and fall accidents happen every day and in the majority of those instances, no one is at fault.  Accidents can and do happen.  Yet sometimes, a property owner may commit negligence which causes a trip and fall or slip and fall accident.  When that negligence results in a serious injury, like a fractured or broken bone or a head injury, the law in Pennsylvania provides a remedy.

The most common types of trip and fall or slip and fall claims are against:

• commercial/residential landlords and owners
• commercial/residential property management companies
• apartment complex landlords and owners
• apartment complex property management companies
• businesses
• restaurants/bars
• hotels
• shopping malls
• schools
• hospitals
• parking lot owners/operators

Property defect cases may involve:

• broken/missing/uneven sidewalk
• potholes or gaps in walkways
• broken doors leading to access by criminals
• lack of proper lighting
• stairway or other walkway defects
• spills/food
• snow/ice conditions

Under Pennsylvania law, landowners, property owners or property management companies have a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for their guests and anyone that is legally on the property, such as a postal service employee or other repair worker.  They are not however required to guarantee the safety of their guests/tenants.  

What are landowners required to do under Pennsylvania law?

1. conduct reasonable inspections to learn of hazardous conditions

2. once known, they must warn of or fix the issues

What does a potential plaintiff have to prove in a property defect case in Pennsylvania?

1. the owner/management company knew of the defect

2. if there was no prior knowledge, that the owner/management company should have known of the defect

3. unreasonably failed to correct or warn of the defect 

In addition, the plaintiff must prove that the defect led to the accident and that the accident caused plaintiff damages.  

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a Philadelphia slip and fall accident, our lawyers will provide answers to your questions and legal advice on whether there is a case and how to proceed.  Contact a Pennsylvania property defect injury lawyer at White & Williams LLP today. We will provide a free, no obligation consultation on your case - 1-877-944-8396.