Slip & Fall Accidents

A “Slip & Fall” is an injury-producing accident occurring when an individual slips or trips as a result of a variety of dangerous or hazardous conditions. These cases fall under a category of the law known as premises liability because these types of accidents usually occur on someone else’s property and are often caused by the property owner’s negligence in failing to maintain the premises in a safe condition. The Philadelphia slip & fall injury team at The Barrist Firm understands that these accidents occur quite frequently and can cause serious injuries to children, adults and the elderly.

Occurring Every Day and Anywhere
Slip & fall accidents can happen anywhere including commercial, residential or public property. Property and building owners and managers have a certain level of accountability in providing a safe environment, such as repairing a known hazard before an accident occurs. Some of the hazards that can cause injuries are unsafe steps, wet floors, poor lighting, unsafe handrails, elevators, escalators and changes in a flooring surface. In addition, there are outdoor hazards that pose a danger such as ice, snow, potholes and uneven sidewalks or parking lots.

Injuries from a Slip & Fall Accident Can Range from Mild to Severe
The traumatic impact of a slip & fall accident occurring from dangerous or hazardous conditions on or in a property, or due to the lack of maintenance at a property, can cause injuries ranging from mild to severe. Examples of such injuries include lacerations, bruises, strains, disk bulges/herniations, broken bones, back injuries, damage to internal organs, spinal cord injuries, head injuries or the worst case scenario, death. Some of the more serious injuries can lead to permanent and life-changing disabilities requiring ongoing medical care. Families can also be affected by the aftermath of a slip & fall accident when the injured family member can no longer work or care for themselves independently. This can cause an enormous amount of emotional, physical, and financial stress.

A Successful Slip & Fall Injury Claim Requires the Experience of a Knowledgeable Premises Liability Attorney
If you have been injured due to the carelessness or negligence of a property owner, it is important to seek medical attention immediately for your personal injuries. Then, it is imperative for you to contact a reputable premises liability lawyer to obtain sound legal advice. In order to pursue a slip & fall case, you must prove that the accident was directly related to a dangerous condition and that the owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. An experienced personal injury attorney at The Barrist Firm can gather and preserve any evidence relevant to your case, including inspecting and photographing the scene and interviewing potential witnesses. If necessary, a premises liability lawyer will also seek to evaluate whether the building or property is up to standard code by employing the services of qualified experts in various relevant fields, such as building engineering, architecture, maintenance and landscaping.