A simple trip to a store, visiting an apartment building, or walking through a parking lot shouldn’t leave you injured. But when a property owner fails to fix a dangerous condition, accidents can happen quickly, and the consequences can follow you for months or even years.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Scranton—whether near the Steamtown area, a local grocery store, or a downtown apartment complex—you may have the right to pursue compensation from a negligent property owner or manager. Pennsylvania law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.
Our Scranton premises liability lawyers can review your situation to understand what went wrong, gather important evidence, and assess your medical bills, lost income, and other damages to determine whether you have the legal right to file a personal injury claim. Our team can help you build a strong case and take the action needed to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Why You Should Choose The Slocum Firm for Your Premises Liability Case
After an injury, choosing the right law firm can make a real difference in how your case is prepared and handled, how quickly you can take action, and the amount of compensation you may receive.
At our firm, we focus on clear communication, fast action, and building strong cases based on real evidence. You won’t be passed between departments or left waiting for answers. You’ll work directly with our attorneys from the start.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
- Our 95+% case recovery rate
- We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients across Pennsylvania
- Most of our cases are resolved in less than one year
- We offer more than 50 years of combined legal experience
- You receive direct access to our attorneys by phone or text
- We are available 24/7—not just during business hours
When you work with us, our focus is not just on your case… It’s on helping you rebuild your life and your future after an injury.
What Is a Premises Liability Claim in Pennsylvania?
A premises liability claim is a type of personal injury case that arises when someone is hurt because a property was not kept reasonably safe. In Pennsylvania, the law places a responsibility on property owners and anyone else who controls a property to take reasonable steps to prevent injuries to people who are lawfully on the premises.
In simple terms, if a dangerous condition existed and could have been fixed before you were hurt, you may have a valid claim against the person or entity responsible for the property.
The Property Owner Must Have Notice of the Hazard
That said, not every accident automatically leads to legal responsibility. The central question in most cases is whether the property owner knew about the hazard or should have discovered it through regular inspection and failed to take action.
This legal requirement is often referred to as “having notice.” For example, a freshly spilled drink in a store may not create immediate liability, but a spill that has been sitting long enough to become dirty or tracked through by others may suggest the business had time to find and fix it.
Property owners generally have two basic options when a hazard exists: fix the problem within a reasonable time or clearly warn people about it. When they fail to do either, and someone is injured, they may be held liable for the accident victim’s injuries and losses.
These cases often involve everyday places throughout Scranton—such as grocery stores, apartment buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, and local businesses. Because these are places people visit regularly, property owners are expected to take ongoing steps to identify risks and maintain safe conditions.
Before we can bring a premises liability case, we need to gather evidence beyond the accident itself. We’ll need to show what the property owner did—or failed to do—before the accident ever happened.
Do You Have a Premises Liability Case?
You may have a valid case if your injury was caused by a condition that should have been addressed before the incident happened. Many people assume that a slip or fall is just “bad luck” and that they have no legal right to receive compensation for their losses.
In reality, property owners are expected to routinely inspect their property and address hazards within a reasonable time. If they fail in this duty, they may be held responsible for an injured person’s losses.
During a free consultation, we can explore the details of your situation to better define your legal rights. In general, you may have a claim if:
- A hazardous condition existed on the property
- The property owner failed to fix or warn about it
- You suffered injuries requiring medical treatment
- The incident caused financial or personal losses
Even if you’re unsure whether the property owner was at fault, speaking with our team can help clarify your situation. There is no cost or obligation for a case review.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Scranton
Premises liability covers a wide range of incidents, not just “slip and fall” accidents. The Slocum Firm premises liability attorneys handle many types of cases, including:
Slip and Fall Accidents
These are among the most common cases and often involve wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained walkways. While they may seem minor at first, these incidents can lead to serious injuries like fractures or head trauma.
Inadequate Security
Property owners may be responsible when preventable incidents—such as assaults or attacks—occur due to poor lighting, lack of security, or failure to address known risks.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
When a property owner allows a dangerous dog to remain on the premises, they may share responsibility for dog bite or attack injuries, especially if they were aware of the risk.
Dangerous Property Conditions
This can include broken stairs, loose railings, unsafe flooring, or other structural issues that create hazards for visitors. If these conditions are not addressed in a reasonable amount of time, the owner or manager may be liable for an injured person’s damages.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Malfunctioning equipment can lead to serious injuries when not properly maintained. When someone is injured by equipment that has not been maintained properly, the property owner may be accountable for damages.
Each type of case depends on specific facts, but they all come down to whether the property was kept reasonably safe.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Claim?
Liability is not always limited to a single person or entity. Depending on the situation, responsibility may fall on:
- The property owner
- A business operating on the property
- A landlord or property management company
- A maintenance or cleaning company
For example, if a store hires a cleaning company that creates and leaves a spill, both parties may be held responsible for someone’s injuries. We work to identify all liable parties because involving additional insurance policies can affect the total compensation available.
What Compensation Is Available in a Premises Liability Case?
A premises liability claim is meant to address both the financial and personal impact of your injury. While every case is different, compensation typically reflects how the accident has affected your health, your work, and your daily life, including:
Medical Expenses
Medical bills are often the most immediate concern. They may include emergency treatment, follow-up care, physical therapy, and any ongoing medical needs related to your injury. In more serious cases, future medical care may also be considered as part of your claim.
Lost Income
If your injury prevents you from working, even temporarily, you may be able to recover lost wages. This can include time missed during your medical recovery as well as any reduction in your ability to earn income in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses are financial. Injuries can affect your ability to move comfortably, participate in daily activities, or enjoy your normal routine. Compensation may reflect the physical pain and overall disruption caused by the accident.
Long-Term Impact
Some injuries have lasting effects, including chronic pain or permanent limitations. When that happens, your claim may include compensation for how your life has changed as a result of the incident.
Our goal is to fully account for how the injury has affected you, not just immediately, but over time. We work to pursue the maximum available compensation under the unique circumstances of your case.
What If You Were Partly at Fault for the Accident?
It’s common for property owners or insurance companies to argue that the injured person shares some responsibility. They want to shift the blame onto you, in order to pay less or avoid paying for your damages.
This is because Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if you played a role in causing your injuries, you can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible because you were on your phone at the time you fell, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. This often becomes a key issue in premises liability cases, especially when the defense argues that the hazard was “open and obvious” and you should have seen and avoided it.
What Is the Deadline to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
According to the Pennsylvania statute of limitations, you only have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. While that may seem like a lot of time, waiting too long can make it harder to build a strong case. Evidence may disappear, surveillance footage may be lost, and witness memories can fade.
Contacting our team and taking action quickly allows us to perform a more complete investigation and gather the evidence need to build a solid claim.
How Our Team Helps After a Premises Liability Injury
After an injury, you may be dealing with medical appointments, missed work, and uncertainty about what to do next. Our role is to take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.
We help by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying hazards
- Gathering evidence such as photos, reports, and witness statements
- Determining who is legally responsible
- Handling communication with insurance companies
- Evaluating the full value of your claim
- Negotiating for a fair resolution
Throughout the process, you have direct access to our attorneys, so you always know where your case stands.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability Cases
How long does a premises liability case take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the severity of injuries. Some cases resolve within months, while others take longer if liability is disputed.
What types of evidence are most important?
Photos of the hazard, witness statements, incident reports, and medical records are all important. In some cases, expert analysis may also be used.
Contact Our Scranton Premises Liability Lawyers Today
An injury on someone else’s property can leave you dealing with pain, financial pressure, and uncertainty about what comes next. You don’t have to handle this alone. We are available 24/7, and you won’t pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Since 2009, our team has helped injured clients across Pennsylvania recover millions of dollars, maintaining a 95% recovery rate and resolving most cases in less than one year. When you call, you will speak directly with an attorney who can explain your rights and help you take the next step.
If you were injured in Scranton or anywhere in Pennsylvania, contact our team today for a free consultation and get the answers you need to protect your future. Call us at (570) 209-7376 now to start protecting your future.
