Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in a slip, trip or fall accident in Philadelphia, we may be able to help. As every case is unique, we need to know the specifics of your situation. Call the Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer at Rosenbaum & Associates today and get a free, no-obligation consultation about your situation. If we handle your case, there is no fee for our services unless we recover money on your behalf.
Philadelphia Slip & Fall Resources
To get to any point on this following page, click any of the following links below.
- Why Choose Us?
- Testimonials & Case Results
- Damages In A Slip and Fall Case
- What To Do After An Accident
- How A Lawyer Can Help
- Common Causes of Accidents
- How Much Does An Attorney Charge?
- Proving Negligence In A Slip & Fall Case
- Filing A Slip & Fall Claim
- Contact Us
- Locations We Serve
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Rosenbaum & Associates?
- We are dedicated to our clients, and our personal injury law firm has been selected as one of the Top 10 Best Law Firms.
- We have helped injury victims in Philadelphia hold negligent parties accountable for more than 25 years.
- Our law firm has successfully secured millions in compensation on behalf of clients.
Testimonials and Case Results
“I was hurt from a slip and fall. From day one, Rosenbaum & Associates treated me as a family member, and not just as a client. The firm fights for all the rights you have within your lawsuit. I recommend Rosenbaum & Associates to my friends and family members.” – Bernard Pauling
“I’m a typical South Philly guy who never wins….ANYTHING….BUT with Rosenbaum in my corner it made winning easy. It was almost like they were fighting for a member of their family. I felt like their little cousin cause it was as if they took it personally wanting to win as much as I did; caring about me through out, keeping me updated on the case letting me know what was done and what was going to happen.” – Adam Cotellessa
In addition, here of a few of our results that our firm has obtained in slip and fall cases.
- $6,000,000: Client was walking on crutches when he slipped on broken tile in a food court, sustaining paralysis with limited use of his hands and arms.
- $500,000: Client fell at mall on a melted ice cream near a concession stand and fractured her arm in the process.
How a Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer Can Help
A Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer can be crucial to your case in the following ways:
They Can Conduct A Thorough Investigation
They have the resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the accident. This involves gathering evidence such as photographs, witness statements, available surveillance footage, and any relevant documents. They may also collaborate with experts if needed.
They Can Determine Liability
Identifying who is legally responsible for your accident is crucial. A lawyer will assess factors like property ownership, maintenance responsibilities, and whether negligence played a role.
They Can Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Slip and fall lawyers are skilled negotiators. They will engage with insurance companies on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement that fully covers your losses.
They Have Trial Experience
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a slip and fall lawyer is prepared to take your case to court. They will represent your interests, present the evidence, and argue for the compensation you deserve.
They Can Maximize Compensation
Studies show that injury victims who hire legal representation usually receive three and a half times more in settlements or verdicts, even after paying legal fees.
They Can Reduce Stress
Dealing with a slip and fall case can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from severe injuries. A lawyer takes on the legal burdens, allowing you to focus on your health.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
The most common causes of Philadelphia slip and fall accidents caused by property owner negligence include the following:
- Wet or Uneven Surfaces: Spills or wet floors in stores, restaurants, or public places. Uneven pavement, cracked sidewalks, or potholes on walkways.
- Lack of Warning Signs: Failure to place warning signs in areas where floors are wet or slippery.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas can obscure hazards and increase the risk of tripping or slipping.
- Negligent Maintenance: Failure to repair or maintain walking surfaces, such as loose tiles, torn carpeting, or damaged stairs or flooring.
- Weather Conditions: The preventable accumulation of snow, ice, or rain can create slippery conditions on outdoor surfaces, especially in parking lots and entryways.
- Obstacles or Clutter: Objects left in walkways, like boxes, cables, or debris, can pose tripping hazards.
- Lack of Handrails or Guardrails: The absence of handrails on stairs or guardrails on elevated surfaces can lead to falls.
- Defective Flooring or Matting: Faulty or improperly installed flooring materials can be hazardous.
- Escalator or Elevator Malfunctions: Technical issues with escalators or elevators can lead to accidents.
- Inadequate Training or Supervision: In workplaces, employees may not be adequately trained to recognize and address potential fall hazards.
- Improperly Designed or Constructed Spaces: Poorly designed buildings or construction zones with inadequate safety features can contribute to accidents.
- Improper Cleaning Procedures: Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can leave surfaces dangerously slippery.
A property owner is typically liable for any slip and fall accident when negligence on their part leads to hazardous conditions that directly cause the incident. This can include situations where the owner fails to address known dangers or was aware of a hazardous condition or should have been aware of it, yet failed to rectify the situation or provide adequate warnings.
What Kind of Damages Are Available in a Slip and Fall Case?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall incident caused by a property owner’s careless or negligent actions, you may be entitled to compensation from insurance companies. A successful slip and fall injury claim can lead to a settlement or verdict for the following:
- Coverage of your medical bills and future medical expenses
- Compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Possible punitive damages against the property owner
Any out-of-pocket expenses, such as court costs, the price of hiring experts, travel costs, etc., may also be reimbursed.
What To Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
Every choice following a slip and fall accident can impact your ability to recover compensation. The following steps will protect your rights:
Document the Accident
Speak to anyone who witnessed the fall and ask for their contact information and if they will make a recorded statement on your phone. Take pictures of the hazardous condition that caused your fall, of the surrounding area, and your injuries. Evidence must be collected immediately since the dangerous condition can disappear if it can be quickly cleaned up or repaired.
Notify the Property Owner
This is an essential step for when it comes time to file an injury claim. Whether your fall occurred at work, a grocery store, a sidewalk, or a parking lot, report the fall right away. If you fell at a place of business, file an official accident report with a supervisor or business owner if you can.
Seek Medical Care
Complete a thorough medical examination, even if you believe your fall-related injuries are minor. Having medical documentation for a potential legal case is critical, and any gap in treatment can give a property owner’s insurance company a reason to deny your claim.
Speak to an Experienced Attorney
Most lawyers will evaluate your case for free and advise you of your legal options. Hiring one will protect you from accepting an unfairly low settlement from the insurance companies and being taken advantage of so that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Much Does a Philadelphia Slip & Fall Attorney Charge?
Many Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys, including Rosenbaum & Associates, accept cases on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee agreement means your personal injury lawyer will advance the costs of pursuing your claim and will only get paid if you do. Therefore, you do not have to pay any money out-of-pocket to retain skilled legal representation. In addition, if you do not recover compensation, you will not owe any legal fees. If you do agree to a settlement or receive an award, a slip & fall attorney will typically take between 25 to 40 percent, as well as court costs.
Some lawyers may reduce or increase their contingency fee based on the amount of compensation you recover or the complexity of your case. For example, 33 percent of any recovery up to $50,000; 25 percent of a recovery between $50,000 to $100,000, etc. Whereas others may require 25 percent if your case settles fairly quickly, 33 percent if they must file a lawsuit, 40 percent if your case goes to trial, etc. Therefore, it is essential to discuss the terms of your arrangement before agreeing and signing any paperwork.
How Do Attorneys Prove Negligence in a Slip & Fall Case?
After a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, you will have to prove negligence on behalf of the property owner and business owner to hold them liable. Demonstrating a property owner’s negligence can be challenging as it requires evidence that a dangerous condition existed and either the owner knew or should have known about it and failed to fix it. To do so, an attorney will have to establish the following four elements of negligence:
Duty
The property owner owed you a duty of care to keep their premises safe. You must have been permitted to be on the property for duty of care to be relatively easy to prove. For example, an invited guest or customer at a grocery store. Trespassers, or those not allowed on a property, are not owed any duty of care except in very limited circumstances.
Breach
The property owner failed to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. In other words, they knew or should have known that a dangerous condition existed for a sufficient period of time before the accident occurred.
Causation
The owner’s failure to reasonably maintain the safety of the premises was a contributing factor in your slip and fall accident. There must be a clear link between the property hazard and your slip and fall injury. In other words, you would not have been injured if the property owner had fixed or warned you of the hazard. Medical records from immediately after your slip and fall will be critical.
Damages
Proof you sustained damages (losses) due to your slip and fall accident. For example:
- Medical expenses: including doctor’s fees, medications, treatments, etc., and anticipated future medical expenses.
- Lost income due to missed work or losing your job.
- Anticipated future lost income
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
Slip and fall cases are subject to specific deadlines, known as the “statute of limitations.” Victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit with the court. However, if the claim is against the government, you must give notice of your intent to sue within six months. Once the notification deadline or statute of limitations has expired, you may not be able to pursue legal compensation or hold a property owner or government agency accountable. Because of these stipulations, it is crucial to file your slip and fall claim as soon as possible.
Contact A Philadelphia Slip & Fall Lawyer Today
If you would like more information from a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer, please contact our law office, Rosenbaum & Associates online or call (215) 569-0200 for a free case evaluation today. Our lawyers can help you fight for your rights and for the compensation that you deserve.
Locations We Serve
Our expert team of attorneys serves many areas in Philadelphia, such as:
Center City | University City | Old City | Rittenhouse Square | Fishtown | Northern Liberties | Fairmount | Manayunk | Chestnut Hill| East Falls | Queen Village | East Passyunk | Germantown | Mount Airy | Bella Vista | Passyunk Square | Logan Square | Fairmount Park | Callowhill | East Kensington | South Philadelphia Brewerytown | Point Breeze | Spring Garden | Chinatown | Market East | Penn’s Landing | Society Hill | Templetown | West Philadelphia
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I seek medical attention even if my injuries seem minor after a slip and fall accident?
Yes, you should seek medical attention, even if your injuries appear minor after a slip and fall accident. Some injuries, such as internal injuries, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may not manifest immediate symptoms but can worsen over time. Prompt medical evaluation ensures your injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. Additionally, medical records are essential evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
Can I negotiate a settlement with the property owner’s insurance company on my own?
While it is possible to negotiate a settlement with the property owner’s insurance company without an attorney, it is not recommended. Insurance companies often have teams of adjusters and attorneys working to protect their interests. They may offer you a low settlement or attempt to shift blame. Having a personal injury attorney by your side can help level the playing field, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
What steps can I take to prevent slip and fall accidents?
- Watch Your Step: Pay attention to where you walk, especially in unfamiliar or hazardous environments.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes with slip-resistant soles and good traction, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Use Handrails: When available, use handrails on staircases to maintain balance.
- Report Hazards: If you notice a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, such as a spill or uneven surface, report it to the property owner or management.
- Be Mindful of Weather: In inclement weather, be cautious of slippery surfaces. Clear snow and ice from walkways when necessary.
- Be Aware of Surroundings: Avoid distractions like texting or talking on your phone when walking, especially in busy or uneven areas.
- Be Cautious in Stores: Take extra care in stores where spills are more common, and be cautious when stepping onto or off of curbs.
- Consider Lighting: Ensure your home and workplace have adequate lighting to avoid tripping over obstacles.