Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—grocery stores, apartment buildings, parking lots, or sidewalks—and they often result in serious injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or back injuries. When these accidents occur, a key legal question is: Is the property owner responsible?

Under Pennsylvania premises liability law, property owners have a duty to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt as a result, they may be held legally responsible for the injury.

When Is a Property Owner Liable?

Liability depends on several factors, including the legal status of the visitor (invitee, licensee, or trespasser), the condition of the property, and whether the owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard.

1. Dangerous Conditions:
If a property owner knew or should have known about a dangerous condition, such as a wet floor or an icy walkway, and did not take reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors, they could be liable for resulting injuries.

2. Reasonable Care:
Property owners are expected to perform routine maintenance and inspections. Failing to take these basic steps can lead to accidents—and legal consequences.

3. Foreseeability:
The hazard must have been foreseeable. If a condition arises so suddenly that the owner couldn’t have reasonably known about it (e.g., a drink spilled seconds before a fall), they may not be liable.

Proving a Slip and Fall Claim

To bring a successful claim, you typically must show:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property
• The owner knew or should have known about the condition
• The owner failed to take appropriate action
• You were injured as a result

Photographs, witness statements, medical records, and incident reports are often crucial to building a strong case.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you were partially responsible for your fall—say, you weren’t watching where you were walking—you can still recover damages, as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your level of fault.

How Tadross Law Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, navigating the legal process on your own can be overwhelming. At Tadross Law, we provide legal guidance to help injured individuals throughout Pennsylvania. We can review the facts of your case, gather evidence, and advocate for fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.