Philadelphia Slip And Fall Lawyers
Slip, trip, or fall accidents accounted for 9.2 million emergency room visits in the United States in 2016 alone, according to the National Safety Council. In fact the organization lists slip and fall accidents as among the leading causes of injuries in the United States. These types of accidents happen not just in construction sites but also in offices, homes, and public places. In 2016 slip and fall accidents caused the following in different industries:
- 29,830 injuries and 29 deaths in retail trade
- 10,250 injuries and 21 deaths in Wholesale trade
- 63,350 injuries and 44 deaths in government
- 23,490 injuries and 46 deaths in transportation and warehousing
- 22,040 injuries and 49 deaths in manufacturing
- 24, 700 injuries and 384 deaths in construction
- 22,090 injuries and 111 deaths in professional and business services
- 43,660 injuries and 18 deaths in education and health services
All this information is available on NSC data for 2016. It includes falls from height and falls on the same level.
Causes Of Slip And Fall Accidents
The most common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:
- Snow or ice
- Holes or gaps
- Loose matting
- Wet surfaces
- Highly polished surfaces or floors
- Sloping issues
- Debris
- Broken concrete on walkway surfaces
Determining Who Is At-Fault In A Slip And Fall Accident
It is not easy to decide who is responsible for a slip and fall accident. Generally, the property or business owner has the duty to keep the property safe for anyone lawfully on the property. To determine if the property or business owner is at-fault, the condition that caused the fall or injury must be determined. If the conditions in the property make it unsafe for people on the property, the owner may be held liable for any injuries that occur because of those conditions. For example, a wet floor without a warning sign can result in a fall or injury.
Property owners usually find themselves in trouble with the law when they ignore complaints about defects on their properties that cause falls. You are more likely to win a slip and fall case if the property owner knew about the defect and there is evidence of prior incidents or prior complaints caused by the defect. With this evidence you can prove that the property owner was negligent. Your Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer can review your case and help you determine the party that is responsible for your injury.
Defenses Used By Property Owners
Property owners are very likely to challenge your liability claim. Just because you fell on a property does not mean that the property owner is at fault. For example, you are not eligible for compensation if you fell or got injured while trespassing on a property. Not notifying the manager or property owner immediately after your accident could also spell trouble for your case. This is especially true in situations where an individual waits days or weeks to notify the property owner. An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer can help you prove your slip and fall case so that you can get relief.