Have you or a loved one been injured on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence? Contact The Slocum Firm today to schedule a free consultation today. Let us help you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Are you a Scranton resident or visitor who has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Have you ever slipped and fallen on a wet floor, a broken sidewalk, or a poorly lit staircase? These types of accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. But when they occur on someone else’s property, the property owner may be legally responsible for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Scranton, PA, you need a qualified lawyer to help you. The Slocum Firm is here to assist you. Our experienced Scranton premises liability lawyers have helped countless clients recover the compensation they deserve after suffering injuries on someone else’s property.

We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the personalized attention and support you need throughout the legal process. Our team will work tirelessly to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement.

Don’t let a slip and fall accident ruin your life. Contact The Slocum Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options and fight for the justice you deserve.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability cases arise when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident or inadequate security, these cases can vary widely.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability cases. These accidents occur when a person falls due to unsafe conditions on a property, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or poor lighting. 

Our personal injury attorneys in Scranton know that slip and fall cases can involve serious injuries, including broken bones and back injuries.

  • Unsafe Conditions: If the property owner knew about the hazardous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries. For instance, if a business owner did not put up warning signs about a wet floor, they could be responsible for any fall accidents that occur.
  • Proving Liability: To win a slip and fall case, we need to prove that the property owner was negligent. This means demonstrating that they failed to maintain a safe environment and that their negligence directly led to your injuries. Our Scranton personal injury lawyers will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Inadequate Security

Inadequate security cases occur when someone is injured due to a lack of proper security measures on a property. This often involves incidents like assaults or thefts that could have been prevented with adequate security.

  • Property Owner’s Responsibility: Property owners, whether they manage an apartment building, a business, or other properties, have a legal obligation to provide a reasonable level of security. If they fail to do so and an incident occurs as a result, they may be held liable for the injuries suffered.
  • Determining Liability: Our team will work to determine if the property owner failed to implement necessary security measures and if this negligence contributed to your injury. We will ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.

Dog Bites

Dog bites fall under premises liability when they occur on someone else’s property. Property owners are often responsible for their pets and ensuring they do not pose a threat to visitors.

If a dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. We can help you navigate the legal process to hold the dog owner responsible and seek compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can involve a range of issues, from inadequate supervision to hazardous conditions around the pool.

Property owners must ensure that their swimming pools are safe and properly maintained. This includes having appropriate barriers and clear warning signs. If the pool area is unsafe and you sustain injuries, we can help you file a premises liability claim against the responsible party.

Fire and Building Code Violations

Fire and building code violations are another critical area of premises liability. These cases involve injuries caused by violations of safety codes or regulations.

Building owners must comply with fire and safety codes to protect tenants and visitors. If a fire or other accident occurs due to these violations, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our firm will thoroughly investigate any potential code violations to strengthen your case.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Accidents involving elevators and escalators can result in severe injuries, such as broken bones or back injuries.

Property owners and managers are responsible for maintaining elevators and escalators in a safe condition. If they fail to do so and you are injured, we can help you hold them accountable for their negligence.

Toxic Exposure

Toxic exposure cases involve injuries caused by exposure to hazardous substances, such as chemicals or asbestos, on a property.

Property owners must take steps to manage and mitigate risks related to toxic substances. If you suffer health issues due to exposure, our Scranton personal injury attorneys can assist you in seeking compensation for your damages.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents

Understanding common causes of premises liability accidents can help you recognize potential hazards and take action if you’re injured. Here are some of the most frequent causes of premises liability accidents:

Wet or Uneven Surfaces

Wet or uneven surfaces are a leading cause of slip-and-fall accidents. When property owners fail to address these hazards, they put visitors at risk of serious injury. Common examples include:

  • Spills in Stores or Restaurants: A wet floor due to spills or leaks can be extremely dangerous if not promptly cleaned up or marked with warning signs.
  • Uneven Pavement or Sidewalks: Cracked or uneven surfaces outside buildings can lead to trips and falls, especially in poorly lit areas.

As your Scranton premises liability lawyer, we will investigate the accident scene to determine if the property owner failed to address these hazardous conditions in a timely manner.

Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting can make even minor hazards more dangerous. Poorly lit areas can obscure potential dangers, leading to accidents such as:

  • Trips Over Obstacles: When walkways or stairs are not well-lit, it’s easy to miss obstacles or changes in elevation.
  • Increased Risk of Falls: Poor lighting can make it difficult to see potential slip hazards, increasing the risk of falls.

If you were injured due to inadequate lighting on someone else’s property, we can help you file a premises liability claim to hold the responsible party accountable.

Faulty Stairs and Railings

Stairs and railings are critical for safety in both residential and commercial properties. Faulty or poorly maintained stairs and railings can cause serious fall accidents, including:

  • Loose Handrails: If handrails are not securely fastened, they may fail to support you as you use them, leading to a fall.
  • Broken or Worn Steps: Damaged stairs can be unstable and increase the risk of tripping and falling.

At The Slocum Firm, we thoroughly investigate these conditions to determine if the property owner knew about the issue and failed to make necessary repairs.

Hazardous Materials

The presence of hazardous materials on a property can lead to serious health risks and accidents. Examples include:

  • Unmarked Chemicals: Chemicals or cleaning agents not properly stored or labeled can cause injuries if spilled or accidentally ingested.
  • Asbestos or Lead: Older buildings might contain hazardous materials like asbestos or lead, posing long-term health risks.

We understand the complexities involved in these types of premises liability cases and are committed to ensuring that the property owner is held responsible for any injuries suffered due to hazardous conditions.

Legal Responsibilities of Property Owners

When you’re injured on someone else’s property, understanding the property owner’s legal responsibilities can help determine whether you have a strong case for compensation. 

At The Slocum Firm, we specialize in premises liability cases and are here to guide you through the complexities of legal responsibility, negligence, and liability.

Duty of Care

As a property owner, there is a legal obligation to ensure that your property is safe for visitors. This is known as the “duty of care.” In Scranton, PA, this duty requires property owners to:

  • Maintain Safe Conditions: You are responsible for keeping your property free from hazardous conditions that could cause accidents. This includes regularly inspecting for issues like wet floors, broken steps, or unsafe stairways. If you are aware of a dangerous condition, you must address it in a timely manner.
  • Provide Warning Signs: If a hazardous condition cannot be immediately fixed, you must provide clear warning signs to alert visitors to the potential danger. For example, if there is a wet floor due to mopping, placing a warning sign is crucial to prevent slip and fall accidents.
  • Ensure Adequate Security: For commercial properties, such as stores or apartment buildings, providing adequate security is part of your duty of care. This might include well-lit parking lots and proper security measures to prevent incidents like assaults or theft.

Negligence and Liability

When a property owner fails to uphold their duty of care, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Here’s how negligence and liability work in premises liability cases:

  • Determining Negligence: To prove negligence, you need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the unsafe condition and failed to take appropriate action. For instance, if a property owner was aware of a broken step but did nothing to repair it, they might be considered negligent if someone is injured as a result.
  • Types of Liability: The degree of liability may vary depending on the type of visitor you were on the property. If you were a customer, you are owed a higher duty of care than you would be as a friend visiting someone’s home. Trespassers have the lowest duty of care. 

Comparative Negligence

In some cases, determining liability can be complex due to shared fault. Comparative negligence is a legal concept used to allocate responsibility when more than one party is at fault:

  • Understanding Comparative Negligence: In Scranton, PA, if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation might be reduced based on your level of fault. For example, if you slipped and fell because of a wet floor but were also not paying attention, the court might determine that both you and the property owner share some of the responsibility.
  • Impact on Compensation: Your compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages will be adjusted according to the degree of your fault. This means that if you are found to be 20% at fault, you will receive 80% of the compensation awarded.

What to Do After Getting Injured on Someone Else’s Property in Scranton

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Scranton, it’s important to take the right steps to protect your health and your legal rights. At The Slocum Firm, we’re here to guide you through this challenging process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like back injuries or concussions, might not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term effects.

  • Get Medical Help: Visit a doctor or emergency room right away.
  • Document Your Injuries: Keep records of all medical treatments and diagnoses.

Report the Incident

Inform the property owner or manager about the accident as soon as possible. This could be a business owner, landlord, or another responsible party.

  • Write Down Details: Include the date, time, and nature of the unsafe condition that caused your injury.
  • Request a Copy: If there’s an accident report, ask for a copy for your records.

Collect Evidence

Gathering evidence is crucial for building a strong premises liability case. Document everything related to the accident and the hazardous conditions.

  • Take Photos: Capture images of the dangerous condition that caused your injuries, such as a wet floor or broken step.
  • Get Witness Statements: If there were any witnesses, ask them for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.

Contact a Scranton Premises Liability Lawyer

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and determine if you have a premises liability case.

  • Consult a Lawyer: Contact The Slocum Firm for a free consultation.
  • Understand Your Rights: We will help you understand your legal options and the potential compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Preserve Evidence

Keep all evidence related to your case, including medical records, repair bills, and any correspondence with the property owner or insurance company.

  • Organize Documentation: Maintain a file with all relevant documents and evidence.
  • Avoid Settling Too Soon: Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that do not cover all your damages.

Follow Up on Your Case

Stay in touch with your lawyer and follow their advice to ensure that your case proceeds smoothly. Timely actions can be crucial in premises liability cases.

  • Attend Medical Appointments: Continue with your prescribed treatment and follow-up visits.
  • Stay Updated: Keep track of your case’s progress and communicate any changes in your condition to your attorney.

Types of Compensation Available to Premises Liability Victims in Pennsylvania

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you might be entitled to compensation for your damages. 

At The Slocum Firm, we’re here to help you understand the types of compensation you can seek through a premises liability claim. Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of compensation that might be available to you.

Medical Expenses

When you’re injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, medical bills can quickly add up. This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments related to your injuries. 

If you’ve sustained injuries like broken bones or back injuries from a slip and fall accident, you can seek compensation for these medical expenses. Our Scranton personal injury lawyers will work to ensure that your medical bills are covered as part of your premises liability lawsuit.

Lost Wages

Injuries from slip and fall accidents or other premises liability cases can prevent you from working, resulting in lost wages. Whether you’ve missed a few days or face long-term disability, you can claim compensation for the income you’ve lost while recovering. 

This also includes any future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to work in the long run. At The Slocum Firm, we understand the impact that a fall accident can have on your financial stability and strive to get you the compensation you need.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to physical injuries, a premises liability case often involves emotional distress and pain and suffering. This compensation reflects the physical pain, emotional anguish, and overall reduction in quality of life resulting from your accident. This type of compensation is meant to address the non-economic impact of your injuries, which can be significant and long-lasting.

Property Damage

If your personal belongings were damaged in the accident, such as in a slip and fall case where you may have been carrying valuable items, you could be entitled to compensation for these losses as well. This might include damage to clothing, electronics, or other personal items.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, if the property owner’s actions were particularly egregious or negligent, punitive damages might be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. 

For instance, if the property owner knew about a dangerous condition, like a wet floor, and failed to address it, punitive damages might be considered.

Benefits of Hiring a Scranton Premises Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, hiring a Scranton premises liability lawyer can make a significant difference in your case. Here are some key benefits of working with a skilled premises liability attorney:

Expertise in Navigating Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability involves a property owner’s legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If a slip and fall accident or other injury occurs due to dangerous conditions, determining liability can be complex. Our experienced Scranton personal injury lawyers are well-versed in these cases and know how to investigate thoroughly to establish responsibility.

  • Detailed Investigation: We conduct a thorough investigation to uncover all the facts surrounding your accident. This includes examining the property for hazardous conditions, such as wet floors or inadequate security, and reviewing any available evidence, like surveillance footage or witness statements.
  • Establishing Liability: Our team works to prove that the property owner knew about the dangerous condition or should have known about it and failed to act. We help determine who the responsible party is and hold them accountable for their negligence.

Maximizing Your Compensation

One of the primary benefits of hiring a Scranton premises liability lawyer is our ability to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. We work diligently to ensure you receive fair compensation for:

  • Medical Bills: From immediate treatment to long-term care, we ensure that your medical expenses are covered.
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, we fight for compensation to cover your lost income.
  • Pain and Suffering: Beyond tangible costs, we also seek compensation for emotional distress and the impact on your quality of life.

Navigating the Legal Process

The legal process for a premises liability lawsuit can be intricate, involving negotiations with insurance companies and navigating legal procedures. At The Slocum Firm, we handle all aspects of your case:

  • Insurance Companies: We deal with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure they treat you fairly and provide the compensation you’re entitled to. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but our attorneys are skilled at negotiating and advocating for your best interests.
  • Legal Representation: From filing your premises liability claim to representing you in court, we guide you through each step of the legal process. We handle all paperwork, deadlines, and legal procedures so you can focus on your recovery.

Personalized Support

Every premises liability case is unique, and at The Slocum Firm, we offer personalized support tailored to your specific situation. 

Whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident at an apartment building or an injury caused by inadequate security, we provide compassionate and attentive legal representation.

Contact a Scranton Premises Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it’s essential to act promptly and follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights. At The Slocum Firm, we specialize in premises liability cases and are here to assist you through every step of the process. 

Contact us by calling 570-209-7376 today to discuss your case and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their negligence.