Premises Liability Lawyers

Premises Liability

Premises Liability
Lawyers

Property owners in Pennsylvania have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, preventable accidents can cause serious injuries. Premises liability law covers a wide range of unsafe property conditions, but slip and fall accidents remain the most common type of claim.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls send more than 8 million people to emergency departments each year. These incidents often happen suddenly, but they are rarely unavoidable. Many are the result of hazards that should have been identified and corrected.

At Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP, our premises liability lawyers focus on slip and fall cases while also representing clients injured in other types of property-related accidents. With more than 100 years of combined experience, we provide direct attorney access and personalized guidance every step of the way.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the area of law that holds property owners, landlords, and occupiers responsible for maintaining reasonably safe environments. If a dangerous condition exists and causes an injury, the responsible party may be liable if they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it or provide adequate warning.

While premises liability includes many types of accidents, slip and fall claims are often at the center of these cases. Whether the hazard involves a wet floor, uneven surface, or poor lighting, the legal analysis focuses on whether the property owner acted reasonably in maintaining the property.

Understanding Slip and Fall Accidents in Pennsylvania

Slip and fall accidents are one of the most frequent and impactful types of premises liability claims. They can occur in seconds but lead to long-term consequences, including fractures, head injuries, and back or spinal damage.

These cases often involve hazards such as:

Wet or slippery floors from spills or cleaning.
Uneven sidewalks, loose tiles, or worn flooring.
Snow and ice that was not properly cleared.
Poor lighting that obscures walking hazards.
Loose handrails or unsafe stairways.

Even when a fall seems minor at first, injuries can worsen over time, making it important to evaluate your legal options early.

Other Common Types of Premises Liability Claims in Pennsylvania

Negligent security resulting in assaults or injuries.
Falling objects or improperly stored merchandise.
Elevator and escalator accidents.
Dog bites or animal attacks.
Swimming pool accidents.
Fire hazards and building code violations.

These cases often come down to whether the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Where Do Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Accidents Occur?

Unsafe conditions can exist in many everyday locations throughout the tri-state area, including but not limited to:

Retail Stores and Grocery Stores:

Spills, cluttered aisles, and falling merchandise are common hazards.

Apartment Buildings:

Broken stairs, poor lighting, and deferred maintenance can create risks for tenants and guests.

Office Buildings:

Slippery floors, unsecured mats, and unsafe common areas can lead to falls.

Sidewalks and Parking Lots:

Cracks, potholes, debris, and inadequate lighting frequently contribute to accidents.

Restaurants and Hotels:

Wet floors, crowded walkways, and negligent upkeep can increase injury risks.

Construction Sites:

Temporary walkways, debris, and unsafe conditions can lead to serious incidents.

Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from soft tissue damage and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and lifelong conditions. The full impact of an injury is not often immediately apparent, making it crucial to seek medical attention and gain an understanding of your legal options early.

Slip and Fall and Premises Liability Accidents: Common Causes

Most of these accidents are preventable and often stem from:

Failure to inspect and maintain the property.
Delayed or ignored repairs.
Inadequate lighting in walkways or stairwells.
Unsafe walking surfaces or structural defects.
Failure to address weather-related hazards like snow and ice.
Lack of warnings for known dangers.

How Can a Premises Liability Lawyer Help?

Whether your injury resulted from a slip and fall or another unsafe condition, proving liability can be complex. Property owners and insurers often dispute claims or attempt to minimize responsibility.

At Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP, our premises liability and slip and fall lawyers help by:

Investigating the accident and identifying hazardous conditions.
Preserving evidence such as surveillance footage and incident reports.
Determining all responsible parties.
Handling communications with insurance companies.
Assessing the full extent of your damages.
Negotiating a settlement or pursuing litigation when necessary.

We focus on building strong cases while keeping clients informed and supported throughout the process.

Contact Our Skilled Premises Liability Lawyers
at Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident or due to another unsafe property condition, you have the right to seek compensation. Our premises liability lawyers at Lessin, Nerenberg & Murphy, LLP are here to help you understand your options and take the next steps. Call 215-599-1400, 215-569-9100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Premises Liability in Pennsylvania

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENT IN PENNSYLVANIA?
Seek medical attention, report the incident, document the scene, gather witness information, and speak with an attorney before dealing with insurance companies.
WHO CAN BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENT?
Property owners, landlords, business operators, and property managers may be liable depending on who was responsible for maintaining the premises.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PREMISES LIABILITY CLAIM?
Pennsylvania generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.
WHAT COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE FOR A PREMISES LIABILITY ACCIDENT?
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and other impacts on your daily life.