Oil City
Slip and Fall Lawyer

On This Page

1. Definition of Slip and Fall Accidents
2. Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
3. Slip and Fall Attorneys Protect Accident Victims' Rights
4. We Will Fight for Just Compensation After a Slip and Fall in Oil City
5. Call our Oil City Injury Team Now for Help

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

September 09, 2024

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

If you’ve suffered a slip and fall accident, you understand the physical and emotional toll it can take. At Berger and Green, our Oil City slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to supporting you through this challenging time. We have extensive experience as Oil City personal injury lawyers, advocating for residents in and around Pennsylvania who face the daunting aftermath of unexpected injuries. 

Our commitment is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve to aid in your recovery and restore your peace of mind. Our team is skilled in navigating the complexities of personal injury law, providing personalized and effective legal strategies tailored to the specifics of your case. Don’t face this stressful situation alone. Call Berger and Green today for the support and guidance you need.

Definition of Slip and Fall Accidents

A slip and fall accident occurs when someone loses their footing and falls as a result of an unsafe or hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These incidents are among the most common types of accidents, leading to personal injury claims. The legal right to recovery is based on proving negligence, typically where the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment or did not adequately warn about potential dangers.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere and are triggered by various factors. Common causes include:

• Wet and Uneven Surfaces: Spilled liquids, freshly waxed or mopped floors, and icy walkways are frequent culprits. Uneven flooring, such as poorly maintained carpet or broken tiles, can also lead to falls.
• Environmental Conditions: Poor lighting can make it hard to see obstacles or changes in the walking surface. Clutter and debris in walkways can also cause accidents.
• Weather-Related Hazards: Ice, snow, and rain can make outdoor surfaces slippery. Accumulation of leaves or other natural materials can also create slick conditions.

Who Is At Fault for an Oil City Slip and Fall Accident?

Establishing negligence in a slip and fall accident involves proving that the property owner owed you some sort of duty to maintain a safe environment and failed to do so, leading to the incident. To hold someone liable, our slip and fall attorneys must demonstrate that the owner knew, or reasonably should have known about, the hazardous condition but did not take appropriate actions to rectify or warn of it. This can include failing to clean up spills, repair damaged flooring, or adequately warn of dangers.

Liability can extend beyond property owners to include tenants, business operators, or management companies responsible for the maintenance of the premises. For example, if a supermarket fails to address a spill in an aisle promptly, the business could be held responsible for any resulting accidents. 

Similarly, landlords might be liable if they neglect the upkeep of common areas leading to unsafe conditions. Determining who is legally responsible requires a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the accident and the roles of the parties involved.

Slip and Fall Attorneys Protect Accident Victims’ Rights

At Berger and Green, our Oil City slip and fall lawyers are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your accident claim with expert legal assistance. From the moment you reach out to us, we begin with a thorough case evaluation and consultation to understand the specifics of your situation. This initial step is crucial in building a strong foundation for your case.

Our team excels in the meticulous investigation and evidence gathering necessary to support your claim. We look into the details, from surveillance footage to maintenance records and witness statements, ensuring that every piece of evidence is meticulously documented to establish negligence effectively.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our lawyers have over 40 years of experience in dealing with insurance adjusters, striving to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve without the need for prolonged litigation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, our committed attorneys are fully prepared to represent you in court, advocating on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.

Let us handle the legal burdens, so you can focus on your recovery. Contact Berger and Green today and let us help you take the first step towards justice.

We Will Fight for Just Compensation After a Slip and Fall in Oil City

In a slip and fall case, the injured party may be entitled to receive compensation for various types of damages that result from the accident. These damages are intended to cover both economic and non-economic losses. While each case is different, you may be able to pursue:

• Medical Expenses: Covers costs for emergency services, hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitative therapy.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work as a result of injuries sustained from the fall. This also includes loss of earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to the same level of employment as before the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress experienced due to the accident and subsequent injuries. This is subjective and varies based on the severity of the injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries prevent the victim from engaging in hobbies, exercise, and other recreational activities previously enjoyed.
• Long-term Disability: If the injuries lead to long-term physical or cognitive disabilities, compensation may be provided for long-term care and lifestyle adjustments.
• Household Expenses: Reimbursement for expenses incurred for services the injured person can no longer manage themselves, such as cleaning, lawn maintenance, and other household tasks.

Each of these categories reflects a specific type of loss, all of which are aimed at helping the victim recover and return to their daily life as much as possible.

Lawsuits for Damages Are Restricted by the Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a slip and fall accident claim is two years from the date of the incident per Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. This legal timeframe is crucial as it dictates how long you have to initiate legal proceedings against the responsible party. 

If you fail to file a lawsuit within this two-year period, you risk losing your right to seek compensation for any injuries or losses incurred due to the accident. It’s important to act swiftly and consult with a slip and fall accident attorney to ensure your claim is filed on time and your rights are fully protected.

Call our Oil City Injury Team Now for Help

After a slip or trip and fall, you may feel like you have no way to recover damages. If you call the Oil City slip and fall lawyers at Berger and Green, you will have a team that is dedicated to getting you what you deserve for your damages. We know how to establish and prove liability for your harm, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect. All you need to do is give us a call today, and we can get started on your case.