Slip and Fall Accidents - Contact a Scranton Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer Now
Put your trust in O'Malley & Langan, aggressive Pennsylvania slip & fall accident law firm
Some people might minimize the impact of a slip, trip or fall accident in Pennsylvania. Insurance companies often argue that the injuries are minor at best and may even say the victim was mostly at fault. That's why a slip and fall personal injury claim can be difficult to prove, even when a victim suffers a serious injury that can have a long-term impact.
At O'Malley & Langan, our attorneys in Pennsylvania know how to handle all types of complicated personal injury claims. Insurance companies don't intimidate us. We know all the all games they play, and we know how to deliver results. That's why we're proud of our settlements & verdicts for clients. Case results matter here. If you or a loved one was injured in a Pennsylvania slip and fall accident, call (866) 326-0100 for a free consultation.
What are my legal rights after a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident generally refers to a situation in which a person slips and falls or trips and falls due to a dangerous condition on someone else's property and is injured as a result. Under common law principles, property owners and tenants have specific responsibilities depending on how the people entering their property are classified. There are three classifications of entrants to property: invitees, licensees and trespassers. As an entrant, your classification will dictate what duty the landowner owed to you. Furthermore, your classification may ultimately affect your ability to recover for your injuries.
Where do slip and fall accidents typically occur?
Slip and fall accidents are extremely common. They and can happen in a variety of locations. The following are a few common places where such accidents happen:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
- Shopping malls
- Outdoors in parking lots or on sidewalks
What typically causes a slip and fall accident?
Any number of factors can lead to a slip, trip or fall accident. The following are some common factors we see in Pennsylvania:
- Snow and ice on sidewalks, outdoor steps and parking lots
- Wet or uneven surfaces
- Cluttered floors in retail stores
- Parking lot potholes
- Torn carpeting
- Broken handrails
"What should I do if I'm involved in a slip and fall accident in Pennsylvania?"
You need to take action immediately after a slip and fall accident. Based on our years of experience successfully working with slip and fall accident victims, we advise injury victims to take the following steps:
- Don't move - If you think you have a serious injury, stay still. Ask someone to call for medical help immediately. Let an EMT, doctor or nurse decide if you're seriously injured. Don't try to diagnose yourself.
- Seek medical attention - Make sure you're evaluated by a medical professional. Go to an emergency room or see your family doctor as soon as possible. Follow the doctor's orders and continue to make follow-up appointments. If you fail to seek medical treatment, you're sending a message to the insurance company that your slip and fall accident really is "no big deal."
- Contact the police - Slip and fall accidents are notoriously complicated. Many property owners frequently deny any wrongdoing. Instead, most owners blame the victim. They might say you did something to cause your injury or you had a pre-existing condition. They may even accuse you of "faking it." You know your body best. Have a police officer there to document your accident. It will likely make everything easier down the road, including being fairly compensated for your injury.
- Gather evidence - Take notes about the scene of the accident. Write down the exact address, if the railings on the stairs were loose or if there were unmarked obstacles that caused your accident. Every detail counts. Your attorney can use the evidence you gather to support your slip and fall claim.
- Take photographs - Writing down as many details as possible can make a difference when negotiating with insurance companies, but, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Your photos can be used as evidence to support your case and build a compelling personal injury claim. Take photos of the spot where you slipped, any warning signs (or lack thereof) and make special note of the lighting at the time of your accident. Was it dark? Were the lights on? Were there handrails? Details matter.
- Talk to witnesses - If someone saw your accident, talk to him or her. Get full names, addresses and phone numbers. Witness testimony could be critical in your slip and fall accident claim. Make sure police officers at the scene of your slip and fall accident interview the witnesses as soon as possible as well.
- Contact a lawyer - An experienced Pennsylvania slip and fall accident attorney can make a dramatic difference in the outcome of your case. Call (866) 326-0100 for a free consultation.
"Why should I hire a Pennsylvania slip and fall accident attorney?"
When you have a hard-working, results-driven slip and fall accident attorney on your side, you can take an aggressive stance against insurance companies and others standing in your way of obtaining financial compensation for your slip-and-fall accident in Scranton, Hazleton, Pittston, Towanda or wherever your accident occurred in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Our lawyers know what evidence to look for to support your claim, what questions to ask and how to put all the information together into a compelling personal injury case. If necessary, we can even help you file a slip and fall accident lawsuit if we believe that's the best way to resolve your case.
Take a stand. Demand justice. Contact O'Malley & Langan. Your case matters
We take great pride in the sizable verdicts and settlements we routinely secure for clients throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. But the cases we handle are about more than just money. They're about justice, and they're about holding people and companies accountable for their actions.
Actions have consequences. And it's our job to make sure you do not suffer financially due to a slip and fall accident. "We're here for you when you need us most," attorney Todd O'Malley said. Call (866) 326-0100 and schedule a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay us if we win. Expect more. Contact us. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
O'Malley & Langan - your case matters here.