What Constitutes a Dangerous Condition of Property in Pittsburgh?

On This Page

1. Dangerous Property Conditions That Could Lead to Injuries
2. What Will the Property Owner Have to Pay For?
3. Call Today for Your Free Consultation

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

March 03, 2022

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

A dangerous condition of property is any environment or situation existing on said property that can cause injury. Possible conditions could include uneven flooring, unkempt yards, and exposed wiring. The property owner is required to keep their property in a safe condition. If you were hurt, our legal team can explain what constitutes a dangerous condition of property in Pittsburgh, PA. We will listen to the story of how you were injured and explain your options for financial compensation. 

By holding a property owner responsible for their negligence, you also help others avoid injuries. You can also get financial compensation for the injuries you sustained. The damages you could recover include the costs of treating your injuries and recovering lost income while you heal from your wounds. A free consultation will help you understand the property owner’s responsibilities and your rights.

Dangerous Property Conditions That Could Lead to Injuries

When seeking compensation for an injury that happened on someone’s unkempt property, you will have to prove certain factors to the property owner and their insurance provider. Injuries can occur in a variety of ways and for many different reasons. Some conditions that constitute a dangerous property condition include:

• Defective steps
• Inadequate security 
• Poor or faulty lighting
• Slick or slippery floors
• Loose carpets and rugs
• Loose cords and cables
• Unsafe swimming pools
• Obvious and hidden fall hazards
• Electrical and fire code violations
• Unrestrained, dangerous animals

To build your claim, you should write down the cause of your accidental fall or other injuries, and take pictures of the dangerous condition, if possible. You should keep thorough records of your bills and lost income, as well as how the injury has affected your life. Stick to the treatment plan your health care team prescribes, maintain records that establish your required medical care, and track your treatment costs. A personal injury lawyer can help you recoup these expenses with this information.

How Do I Prove the Property Owner’s Responsibility?

Collecting evidence is an important part of the investigation into your accident. To hold the property owner responsible for your injuries and the expenses that stem from them, you need to demonstrate that they:

• Were required to maintain a safe property
• Did not address a known issue or danger on their property
• Were negligent and caused your injuries
• Owe you financial compensation for your losses

This can be hard to do on your own. It can be easier with legal help and support. A personal injury or premises liability lawyer can collect evidence proving your case has merit. He can also help prove the value of each recoverable damage you request.

What Evidence Will Help My Fight for Compensation?

At the time your injury occurred, collecting evidence was probably not the first thing on your mind. You were probably more concerned with treating your injuries, and rightly so. As you start to build your case later, a law firm and its team members can help reconstruct your accident and gather evidence, including: 

• Photos of the accident area
• Property maintenance records
• Maintenance employee notes and logs
• Your incident reports and those of others
• Medical records that prove the extent of your injuries

Evidence that proves the cause and resulting cost of your injuries can include statements from witnesses who saw the dangerous condition and knew how long it existed. Security and surveillance camera footage can also prove the property’s state. Along with the rest of your evidence, these things will prove the property owner knew or should have known about a possible danger. 

What Will the Property Owner Have to Pay For?

After proving the dangerous condition of the property and the property owner’s negligence, you can request compensation. According to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 7102, you can recover damages for the portion of the accident that was the negligent party’s fault. Your damages can include:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish 

A personal injury lawyer can help you assign value to your injuries and their related expenses. He can also ensure you are not penalized unfairly under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws.

Do I Have to Sue Them Right Away?

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date you were injured to file your lawsuit, according to 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524. If you do not file by that date, you might inadvertently lose the right to do so. In some instances, factors might change the statute of limitations. The best way to understand it and how it applies to your case is to consult a lawyer familiar with personal injury, premises liability, state, and insurance law.

Your lawyer can use accident or incident reports and your medical records to establish the relevant date. He can also meet the state’s filing deadline with enough notice from you. 

Call Today for Your Free Consultation

If you suffered injuries on someone else’s property, our personal injury lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, can help. We can explain whether the cause of your fall constituted a dangerous condition of property. Find out how we can help you explore your right to financial recovery by calling one of our Berger and Green team members at (412) 661-1400 today.