Pennsylvania Premises Liability Law

An unexpected injury on someone else’s property can leave you with more than just physical pain. Medical bills begin to pile up. You may be forced to miss work. And suddenly, you’re left trying to understand what happened, who is at fault, and how premises liability law applies to your situation.

At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we help people across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties get clarity, justice, and compensation. We don’t overpromise, and we don’t sugarcoat the facts. With over 75 years of combined experience, our team knows how to handle complex premises law claims. If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re ready to listen and help.

What Is Premises Liability Law?

Premises liability law is based on a simple idea: property owners are responsible for keeping their spaces reasonably safe. If they don’t, and someone gets hurt because of it, they may be legally liable for that person’s injuries.

Who can be held responsible? It depends on the property and the situation. Potentially liable parties include:

• Homeowners,
• Landlords and tenants,
• Businesses and commercial property owners,
• Property management companies, and
• Government agencies responsible for public spaces.

If you believe a property owner’s negligence played a role in your injury, speaking with a premises liability lawyer is a critical first step toward understanding your legal options.

What Are Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents?

These types of accidents aren’t limited to big commercial spaces. They happen in apartment complexes, residential homes, office buildings, and public areas throughout Pennsylvania. When property owners or managers neglect their responsibility to maintain safe conditions, everyday environments can quickly become dangerous.

Here are some examples of common premises liability claims:

• Slip and falls on wet or icy surfaces,
• Trip and falls due to broken sidewalks or torn carpets,
• Injuries from falling merchandise or ceiling tiles,
• Dog bites,
• Inadequate lighting in stairwells, and
• Accidents in unsafe parking lots or elevators.

If you’ve experienced one of these situations or others like them, it may be time to speak with a lawyer who understands how premises liability law applies to your case.

What Should I Do After an Accident?

After a premises-related injury, your actions in the following minutes, hours, and days can directly impact your health and ability to file a claim. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Get medical attention immediately,
2. Take photos and video of the scene,
3. Report the accident to the property owner or manager,
4. Get witness contact information,
5. Avoid speaking to the insurance company,
6. Don’t post on social media, and
7. Call a lawyer right away.

Acting quickly helps preserve key evidence and gives your attorney a stronger foundation for evaluating your case and advising you on the best path forward.

How Do I Prove a Pennsylvania Premises Liability Claim?

To succeed under Pennsylvania premises law, you must prove the property owner was legally negligent. That means showing four key elements.

1. Duty of Care

Under Pennsylvania premises liability law, a property owner’s legal responsibility depends on why the injured person was on the property. The law separates visitors into three main categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

Invitees

Invitees are individuals who enter a property for a business purpose, such as customers in a store or clients in an office. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. They are required to inspect the property regularly, correct any known hazards, and warn visitors about dangers they should be aware of.

Licensees

Licensees are social guests or others with permission to be on the property, but not for business reasons. For licensees, the property owner has a duty to warn them of known dangers that are not obvious, but does not have a duty to inspect the property for new hazards regularly.

Trespassers

Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission. Generally, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers.  

2. Breach of Duty

A breach happens when the owner fails to meet their duty of care. Examples include:

• Ignoring icy walkways,
• Failing to clean up spills in a store aisle,
• Not posting warning signs near known dangerous conditions, and
• Leaving debris or broken steps without repair.

Evidence such as photographs, surveillance footage, or witness statements can help demonstrate that the property owner failed to meet their legal responsibilities.

3. Causation

You must prove that the property owner’s actions or inaction directly led to your injury. This element can be tricky, but medical records, injury timelines, and expert evaluations can help connect the dots.

4. Damages

Without actual damages, you don’t have a case. Damages can include tangible losses like medical bills and missed work, as well as more subjective harm like pain and emotional distress. If you suffered real losses, you may be eligible for compensation.

What Damages Are Recoverable Under Pennsylvania Premises Law?

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation under Pennsylvania premises liability law. The purpose of these damages is to help make you whole again, not just financially, but also in terms of the overall quality of your life. These damages can include:

• Medical bills,
• Lost income,
• Pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress,
• Loss of enjoyment of life, and
• Permanent disability or disfigurement.

Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers can help you assess your losses, calculate fair compensation, and stand up to insurance companies that want to lowball your claim.

How Long Do I Have to Bring a Premises Liability Claim in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a premises liability lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

While two years might seem like plenty of time, delaying action can hurt your case. Evidence may be lost, witnesses become harder to locate, and property conditions can change, making it more difficult to prove negligence.

If you even suspect you might have a claim, talk to a premises liability law firm as soon as possible.  

Speak with a Premises Liability Law Firm Today

Premises liability law isn’t just about slips, falls, or unsafe conditions. It’s about accountability. At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we don’t believe in quick promises or flashy guarantees. We believe in honest advice, clear communication, and relentless advocacy for our clients. We’ll evaluate your case, tell you the truth, and fight for the compensation you deserve—without charging you a cent unless we win.

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t wait. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with a team that puts your well-being first and understands Pennsylvania’s premises liability law.