Sidewalk Slip and Fall Injury Claims in Philadelphia
Accidents happen unexpectedly, and when they do, they can turn our lives upside down in an instant. Picture this: you’re strolling down the sidewalk, minding your own business, when suddenly, you trip and fall, breaking your arm. The pain is excruciating, and the road to recovery seems daunting.
Not only are you dealing with physical injuries, but you’re also facing financial hardships due to being out of work for months. If you’ve experienced a sidewalk slip and fall injury in Philadelphia, you’re not alone, and you have rights that deserve to be protected. Filing a sidewalk slip and fall injury claim is often the first step to receiving the maximum compensation you deserve.
Can You Sue the City If You Fall on the Sidewalk?
One common question that arises after a sidewalk slip and fall incident is whether you can sue the city for negligence. In Philadelphia, like in many other places, the answer depends on various factors, including the circumstances surrounding the accident and the applicable laws.
Under Philadelphia Sidewalk Law, the city has a responsibility to maintain safe and hazard-free sidewalks. If negligence on the part of the city contributed to your injury, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. However, it’s important to note that filing a sidewalk slip and fall injury claim against the government comes with its own set of rules and limitations.
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim against the government, including claims related to sidewalk accidents, is typically shorter than for claims against private entities. Generally, you have six months from the date of the incident to file a notice of claim against the city or municipality. It is a good idea to start the claims process as soon as possible.
Premises Liability in Pennsylvania: Understanding Your Rights
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. In the context of sidewalk slip and fall accidents, premises liability applies to property owners, including municipalities and government entities.
According to Pennsylvania law, property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe and free from hazards. When they fail to fulfill this duty, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for damages.
Determining Liability and Validity of Your Sidewalk Slip and Fall Injury Claim
Accidents do happen, but in many cases, they are avoidable. To determine whether you have a valid sidewalk slip and fall injury claim, consider the following:
Duty of Care: Did the owner of the property owe you a duty of care to maintain the property in a safe condition?
In most cases, the local municipality has the obligation to maintain public walkways. If the accident happened at a business, the property owner or manager may be liable. The same may be true for a private residential property if you were invited there or using the walkway in the capacity of a delivery driver or someone else who had a right to be there.
Dangerous Conditions: Was the property owner negligent in maintaining the sidewalk?
If hazardous conditions, such as cracks, uneven surfaces, or debris, contribute to your fall, it is likely that the property manager or owner failed to do their duty. Failure to warn about a known condition is also considered negligent.
Causation: Can you establish a direct link between the hazardous conditions and your injuries?
Common sidewalk slip and fall injuries occur due to factors such as poorly maintained sidewalks, icy or wet surfaces, and obstacles obstructing walkways.
Actual Damage: Did you sustain actual physical, emotional, or financial damage because of the accident?
In the case of a broken arm, there is undoubtedly pain and financial hardship due to medical costs and lost wages. Regardless of the specific circumstances, if negligence played a role in your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
Calculating the Value of Your Claim
When pursuing a sidewalk slip and fall injury claim, it’s essential to consider the full extent of your damages. Injuries like a broken arm can result in medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic losses.
A skilled personal injury attorney can help you assess the value of your claim by considering factors such as:
- Medical bills and expenses related to your injury treatment,
- Lost income and future earning capacity due to your inability to work,
- Pain and suffering endured as a result of the accident, and
- Emotional distress and mental anguish caused by the injury.
Falling on a sidewalk and sustaining an injury like a broken arm is undoubtedly painful and expensive to treat. The value of your claim increases when you are unable to work. It is important to work with an experienced attorney to understand how much you are reasonably entitled to. It is important that you do not accept a settlement for less than what you deserve.
Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers: Your Trusted Advocates
At Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a sidewalk slip and fall injury can take on your life. With decades of experience representing injury victims in Philadelphia and beyond, our dedicated team is committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our attorneys are well-versed in Pennsylvania premises liability laws and have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. From conducting thorough investigations to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation when necessary, we will stand by your side every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a sidewalk slip and fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the complexities of your case. Together, we’ll work towards holding the responsible parties accountable and obtaining the maximum compensation available under the law. Take action now and let Rosen Justice Injury Lawyers be your trusted advocates in pursuit of justice and recovery.
