Pottstown Premises Liability Lawyer

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Kingbird Legal’s Pottstown premises liability lawyer will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you hold property owners accountable for their negligence.

Understanding Common Premises Liability Cases in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, property owners are legally required to ensure their premises are safe for visitors, whether they are customers, tenants, or guests. When they fail in this duty and someone gets injured, the injured party may have the right to file a premises liability claim. These types of cases fall under personal injury law, and victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the responsibility of property owners to maintain their premises in a safe condition. If a property owner’s negligence leads to an injury, the injured person may be able to file a premises liability claim. These claims cover accidents that occur on private property, public spaces, or commercial properties.

The basis of these claims is that property owners should be aware of hazardous conditions and either repair them or warn visitors about them. If they fail to do so, they can be held responsible for any injuries that result.

Common Types of Claims

There are many different types of incidents that can lead to premises liability claims. While the specifics of each case can vary, some common types of accidents include:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability cases in Pennsylvania. These accidents often happen when a person slips or trips on a dangerous condition on someone’s property, such as a wet floor, uneven sidewalk, or broken stairs. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises free from hazards that could cause such accidents.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:

Wet or slippery floors: Spills or weather conditions that create slick surfaces can lead to falls. If the property owner does not clean the area or warn visitors, they may be liable for any resulting injuries.
Uneven surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, or potholes can create tripping hazards.
Improperly maintained stairways: Broken steps, loose handrails, or poorly lit staircases are all common causes of falls.

In these cases, property owners may be found negligent if they were aware of the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or adequately warn visitors.

Inadequate Security

Inadequate security is another type of premises liability claim. This occurs when a property owner fails to provide enough security to prevent criminal activities such as assault, robbery, or other violent crimes. This is most common in commercial or multi-residential properties, such as apartment complexes, hotels, or shopping centers.

Property owners have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. Inadequate lighting, broken locks, or a lack of security personnel can contribute to a crime occurring on the property. If an injury or death results from criminal activity that could have been prevented by proper security measures, the property owner may be held liable.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites and other animal attacks also fall under premises liability. In Pennsylvania, property owners are responsible for keeping dangerous animals under control. If a dog or other animal attacks someone on the property, the owner may be liable for the victim’s injuries.

Pennsylvania follows a “strict liability” rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog owner is automatically liable for the victim’s injuries, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, scarring, and infections. In some cases, dog bites can even lead to long-term emotional trauma, particularly for children. If you are attacked by a dog or another animal on someone’s property, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately and consult with a personal injury attorney.

Poorly Maintained Premises

A property owner’s failure to maintain their premises properly can lead to a variety of accidents. This includes failing to repair or replace broken equipment, keep walkways clear, or maintain buildings in good condition. Poor maintenance can result in conditions such as:

Loose handrails: A loose handrail on a staircase can increase the risk of falls.
Obstructed walkways: Failing to clear walkways of snow, ice, or debris can lead to injuries, especially during the winter months.
Unsafe building conditions: Cracked foundations, exposed wires, or other structural issues can be hazardous to anyone on the property.

Property owners are legally obligated to address these issues and provide a safe environment for anyone who enters their property. If someone is injured due to poor maintenance, the property owner could be held liable for the damages.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents are a common cause of premises liability claims, particularly in homes, hotels, and recreational facilities. In these cases, property owners are responsible for maintaining the pool area in a safe condition and ensuring there are appropriate safeguards to prevent injuries.

Common issues that contribute to swimming pool accidents include:

Lack of fencing or gates: A pool should be fenced in with a gate that can be locked to prevent children or animals from accessing it without supervision.
Slippery surfaces: Poolside areas should be slip-resistant to prevent falls, particularly when they are wet.
Unsafe pool equipment: Broken ladders, faulty pool drains, or malfunctioning pool equipment can create dangerous conditions for swimmers.

If a pool owner neglects these responsibilities and an injury occurs, they may be held liable for the damages.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator accidents are another form of premises liability. When elevators or escalators malfunction or are improperly maintained, they can cause serious injuries, such as falls, broken bones, or even fatalities. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that these mechanical systems are inspected regularly and maintained in good working condition.

Common issues leading to elevator and escalator accidents include:

Mechanical failures: If an elevator or escalator malfunctions, it can lead to serious accidents.
Inadequate warnings: If an elevator or escalator is out of service or presents a risk, the property owner must post clear warning signs.
Defective equipment: Poorly maintained or broken parts can result in accidents.

If you are injured in an elevator or escalator accident, the property owner may be held liable for failing to provide a safe environment.

Snow and Ice Accidents

During the winter months, snow and ice become major contributors to premises liability claims. Property owners must take reasonable steps to clear walkways, parking lots, and other areas of snow and ice to prevent slip and fall accidents. If a property owner fails to address these hazards in a timely manner, they could be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

In Pennsylvania, property owners must take action to remove snow and ice or apply salt to prevent accidents. Failure to do so could result in a premises liability claim.

Pottstown Premises Liability Attorney – Holding Property Owners Accountable

Premises liability claims in Pennsylvania can arise from a wide variety of accidents that occur on someone else’s property. Whether it’s a slip and fall, an animal attack, or an elevator malfunction, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for visitors.

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone’s property, Kingbird Legal is here to help. Our Pottstown premises liability attorney will fight for your rights and pursue fair compensation for your injuries. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us take the legal burden off your shoulders as we hold negligent property owners accountable.