Exton Premises Liability Lawyer

When property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, visitors can suffer serious injuries. If you were hurt due to unsafe premises, you may have a valid claim. At Kingbird Legal, our Exton premises liability lawyer will fight to ensure negligent property owners are held responsible. Call 484-289-4880 for a free case review today.

Navigating Property Owner Responsibility in Pennsylvania: What You Need to Know

If you are injured on someone else’s property in Pennsylvania, you may have a legal claim against the owner. State laws require property owners to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so, accidents happen, and people get hurt. Understanding the responsibilities of property owners can help you determine whether you have a case.

Property Owner Liability and the Duty of Care

Pennsylvania law holds property owners accountable for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. The level of responsibility depends on the visitor’s status. The law categorizes visitors into three groups: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.

Invitees: These are individuals who enter a property for business purposes. Customers in a store or clients visiting an office fall into this category. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care. They must inspect the premises, fix hazards, and warn of potential dangers.
Licensees: These are social guests or people allowed on the property for non-business reasons. A friend visiting a home is a licensee. Owners must warn licensees about known dangers but do not have to inspect for hazards.
Trespassers: These are people who enter a property without permission. Property owners generally do not owe trespassers a duty of care, except in certain cases. For example, if an owner knows a trespasser is frequently on the land, they cannot set traps to cause harm.

Common Property Hazards That Lead to Injuries

Various conditions on a property can lead to serious accidents. Some of the most common hazards include:

Slippery surfaces: Ice, snow, and spills can cause slip and fall accidents.
Uneven flooring: Loose tiles, cracked sidewalks, and potholes create tripping hazards.
Poor lighting: Dark stairwells and walkways increase the risk of falls.
Faulty handrails: Weak or broken railings can cause serious injuries.
Negligent security: Lack of proper lighting or security measures can lead to assaults or robberies.
Dog bites: Pennsylvania law holds owners responsible if their dog injures someone, especially if the dog is known to be dangerous.

Property owners must take reasonable steps to correct these hazards or warn visitors about them.

Proving Liability in a Premises Liability Case

If you were injured on someone else’s property, proving liability is crucial. You must demonstrate that the property owner was negligent. This involves establishing four key elements:

The owner owed you a duty of care – This depends on whether you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.
The owner breached their duty – You must show that the owner failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition.
The breach caused your injury – There must be a direct link between the hazardous condition and your accident.
You suffered damages – Injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering all count as damages.

Evidence is critical in these cases. Photographs, witness statements, medical records, and surveillance footage can support your claim.

How Comparative Negligence Affects Your Case

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault for your injury, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.

For example, if you slip on an icy sidewalk but were texting and not paying attention, a court may find you 20% at fault. If your total damages amount to $50,000, you would receive $40,000 after a 20% reduction.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto the injured party. Having an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

Special Rules for Snow and Ice-Related Injuries

Pennsylvania law recognizes the “hills and ridges” doctrine for injuries caused by snow and ice. Property owners are not automatically liable for slips and falls in winter weather. To hold an owner responsible, you must prove that:

The ice or snow accumulated in ridges or elevations that created an unreasonable hazard.
The condition existed long enough that the owner should have noticed and removed it.
Your injury resulted directly from this hazardous accumulation.

If snow has just fallen, owners usually have a reasonable amount of time to clear it before being held liable.

Legal Deadlines for Filing a Claim

Pennsylvania law sets a time limit for filing personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations for premises liability cases is two years from the date of injury. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to seek compensation.

Certain exceptions apply. If the injured person is a minor, the deadline may be extended until they turn 18. Cases involving government-owned property also have different rules, requiring notice within six months.

Steps to Take After an Injury on Someone’s Property

If you are injured due to unsafe conditions, taking the right steps can strengthen your case.

Seek medical attention – Your health comes first. Medical records also serve as evidence.
Report the incident – Notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible.
Take photos – Capture images of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
Get witness information – If anyone saw the accident, their statements could support your claim.
Avoid discussing fault – Do not admit responsibility or downplay your injuries.
Consult an attorney – A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the legal process and handle negotiations with insurance companies.

Reach Out to an Exton Premises Liability Attorney

If you are injured on someone else’s property in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held accountable.

Understanding your legal rights and acting quickly can make a difference in your case. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Kingbird Legal is committed to helping injured individuals in Exton get the justice they deserve. Don’t let a negligent property owner get away with their carelessness—call 484-289-4880 today.