In Philadelphia, business owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks outside of their property. According to Philadelphia Code, property owners, including business owners, are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property, including repairing any defects, removing snow and ice, and keeping the sidewalk free of debris and other hazards.
If a sidewalk is not properly maintained and someone is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable for any resulting damages. A slip and fall lawyer Philadelphia PA trusts at the Wieand Law Firm represents people who have been injured by a fall on a sidewalk.
Philadelphia Property Owners Have a Duty to Maintain Sidewalks
An expansive city, the Philadelphia Streets Department estimates that city has approximately 2,575 miles of sidewalks, making it one of the largest networks of pedestrian infrastructure in the United States. This extensive sidewalk network connects the city’s many neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public transportation hubs, providing pedestrians with accessible routes for walking and traveling throughout the city. With all that mileage, it can be hard to know who owns the piece of property where you fell and suffered an injury.
Injuries Caused by Falls
The impact from a fall can result in serious injuries. Common injuries after a fall include:
- Head injuries: Falls can cause traumatic brain injuries, concussions, and other head injuries. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries that can result in long-term cognitive impairment.
- Fractures and broken bones: Falls can also cause fractures and broken bones, especially in the wrist, arm, ankle, and hip. In older adults, hip fractures are particularly common and can have serious long-term consequences.
- Sprains and strains: Falls can cause sprains and strains in the muscles and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and limit mobility.
- Back and spinal cord injuries: Falls can cause back and spinal cord injuries, which can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and even paralysis.
- Cuts and bruises: Falls can cause cuts and bruises, especially to the head, face, and hands.
It’s important to seek medical attention after a fall, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Early treatment and intervention can help prevent complications and speed up recovery. A slip and fall lawyer Philadelphia PA depends on can help you access health care services after a fall and get the treatment you need.
Fall-related injuries can be severe, disabling and costly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls result in an estimated $50 billion in direct medical costs, including hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, the cost of falls extends beyond direct medical expenses and includes indirect costs, such as lost wages and decreased quality of life. The total cost of falls, including both direct and indirect costs, is estimated to be over $100 billion annually. Brent Wieand, a slip and fall lawyer Philadelphia PA counts on at the Wieand Law Firm, works to recover full compensation for the losses sustained from your fall.
Injury Compensation Available
Compensation for slip and fall cases may vary depending on the circumstances of the incident and the applicable laws in the jurisdiction. However, some common types of injury compensation available in slip and fall cases may include:
- Medical expenses: Slip and fall victims may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication costs, physical therapy, and other related expenses.
- Lost wages: If a slip and fall injury results in a victim missing work, they may be entitled to compensation for their lost wages, including any lost earning capacity in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Slip and fall victims may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced as a result of their injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property damage: If personal property was damaged during the slip and fall incident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repair or replacement.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases, if the property owner’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, the victim may be entitled to punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
It’s important to note that compensation may vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the laws in your state. It’s best to consult with a qualified slip and fall lawyer Philadelphia PA trusts for advice specific to your situation.
What Steps Will an Attorney Take in a Slip and Fall Case?
A slip and fall lawyer Philadelphia PA counts on may take several steps in a slip and fall case, including:
- Investigation: The attorney may investigate the circumstances of the slip and fall incident, including gathering evidence such as photographs, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Establishing liability: The attorney may determine who is at fault for the slip and fall incident, which may include the property owner, a business owner, a government entity, or other responsible parties.
- Consult with Experts: An attorney will work closely with any experts needed to review your case and provide their opinions.
- Documenting damages: The attorney may document the extent of the victim’s injuries and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiation: The attorney may negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company to reach a settlement that adequately compensates the victim for their losses.
- Filing a slip and fall lawsuit: If negotiations fail to result in a fair settlement, the attorney may file a lawsuit on the victim’s behalf and prepare for trial.
- Representing the victim in court: The attorney may represent the victim in court and advocate for their rights and interests, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing on the victim’s behalf.
- Post-settlement activities: If a settlement is reached or a trial is successful, the attorney may assist the victim with activities such as drafting settlement agreements, managing payments and liens, and resolving any outstanding legal issues.
The client care philosophy at the Wieand Law Firm means that we prepare your case with individualized care and attention. We handle each case to put it in the best possible position to be thoroughly prepared if it ends up going to trial.
Contact the Wieand Law Firm Today for A Free Case Review
Call the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at the Wieand Law Firm for a free case review and evaluation. Our attorneys have handled numerous slip and fall cases throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We understand the impact that a serious slip and fall has on your life and the lives of your family. Call us today to find out how we can help you financially recover after a slip and fall accident.
Call 215-666-7777 to speak directly to an attorney or reach out using the form on our website.
