Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect it, but the consequences can be severe. At Mooney Law, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents can take on you and your family. As a Carlisle slip and fall accident attorney, we are here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Slip and fall accidents are more common than many realize. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 1 million hospital emergency room visits annually in the U.S., representing 12% of all fall-related injuries.
In Pennsylvania, property owners are legally required to maintain safe premises to prevent such accidents. You have the right to hold them accountable when they fail to do so and you are injured.
What Constitutes a Slip and Fall Accident?
A slip-and-fall accident occurs when someone slips, trips, or falls on someone else’s property due to a hazardous condition.
These accidents are often the result of:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Debris or obstacles in walkways
- Broken or missing handrails
As a slip and fall lawyer in Carlisle, we understand the complexities of these cases. Not every fall automatically qualifies as a personal injury claim, but if the property ownerโs negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions, you may have a case.
Pennsylvania premises liability law requires property owners to inspect their premises and promptly address potential hazards regularly. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries sustained on their property.
Pennsylvania Premises Liability Laws
In Pennsylvania, slip and fall accidents fall under premises liability law. This legal principle holds property owners, including businesses, government entities, and private homeowners, responsible for injuries on their property due to unsafe conditions. To successfully file a claim, you must prove that:
- The property owner owed you a duty of care (usually when you are lawfully on the property).
- The property owner breached that duty by failing to maintain safe conditions.
- The hazardous condition directly caused your injuries.
- You suffered damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering) due to the accident.
Our Carlisle PI attorney team is well-versed in Pennsylvaniaโs premises liability laws and will work tirelessly to prove that the property ownerโs negligence led to your slip and fall accident.
Why You Need a Slip and Fall Attorney in Carlisle
Handling a slip-and-fall accident claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that often try to minimize your compensation. This is where we come in. As a personal injury lawyer in Carlisle, we have the experience and resources to gather evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Key reasons to hire us as your Carlisle slip and fall accident attorney include:
- Thorough Investigation: We will visit the accident scene, collect evidence such as surveillance footage, photographs, and witness statements, and work with experts to assess the hazardous conditions that caused your accident.
- Experience with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies are skilled at denying or underpaying claims. Our team knows their tactics and will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Proving Liability: Establishing liability in slip-and-fall cases can be challenging. We know what to look for and how to demonstrate that the property owner was negligent in maintaining its premises.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
The damages you can recover in a slip and fall accident vary depending on the severity of your injuries and other factors. Common damages we pursue include:
- Medical Expenses: These include current and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and necessary medical equipment.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has left you unable to work, we will seek compensation for your lost income. If your ability to work is permanently affected, we will also pursue compensation for future lost earnings.
- Pain and Suffering: Injuries from a slip and fall accident can lead to long-term physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life. We will seek compensation for these intangible losses.
- Property Damage: If your personal property, such as your phone or glasses, was damaged during the fall, you may be eligible for compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
As a top-rated slip and fall accident lawyer in Carlisle, we will work diligently to assess the full extent of your losses and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Slip and Fall Accident Statistics
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury in the U.S., especially for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older fall each year, with over 800,000 hospitalizations annually due to head injuries or hip fractures.
In Pennsylvania, premises liability claims are not uncommon, especially during winter months when ice and snow can create hazardous conditions. As a slip and fall lawyer near me, we have seen an increase in cases during these months, making it crucial for property owners to take extra precautions to prevent accidents.
Common Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. Common injuries include:
- Fractures: Broken bones, particularly in the wrists, arms, and hips, are common in slip-and-fall accidents.
- Head Injuries: A fall can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which may lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, and emotional instability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis, chronic pain, and other debilitating conditions.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Torn ligaments, sprains, and strains are common fall injuries.
Regardless of your injuries, our slip-and-fall lawyer in Carlisle is here to provide compassionate legal representation and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident
If youโve been involved in a slip-and-fall accident, itโs important to take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, some conditions, like concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager of your accident. Ensure a formal incident report is created, and obtain a copy for your records.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your fall and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident.
- Preserve Evidence: Save any physical evidence, such as clothing or shoes, that may help demonstrate the property conditions at the time of the accident.
- Contact Us: As your Carlisle slip and fall accident attorney, we will guide you through the steps, including filing your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing legal action if necessary.
How We Can Help You
At Mooney Law, we are dedicated to providing personalized legal services to each client. We understand the unique challenges of slip and fall accidents and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. With years of experience handling personal injury cases, our team is ready to stand by your side from start to finish.
If youโre searching for a slip-and-fall lawyer near me, look no further than Mooney Law. We are proud to be a top-rated slip and fall accident lawyer in Carlisle, committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip-and-fall accident, donโt wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our experienced personal injury lawyer in Carlisle fight for your rights and help you recover.
Call Mooney Law or visit our website to schedule your appointment.