Slip and fall accidents are surprisingly common in stores, sidewalks, and offices. In Pennsylvania, property owners must keep their spaces reasonably safe. If they don’t and someone gets hurt, the injured person may be able to file a slip and fall claim to pursue compensation. If you or a loved one has fallen, here’s what to do next.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Put your health first. Even if injuries seem minor, see a doctor right away. Some issues – like concussions or soft tissue damage – don’t show symptoms immediately. A doctor visit also creates a medical record, which can help your claim. Waiting too long may hurt your case, giving the insurance company or property owner room to argue that your injury wasn’t serious or didn’t happen on their property.
Report the Accident
Tell the person in charge – such as a manager or landlord – how you fell. Ask for an incident report and request a copy. When explaining what happened, stick to the facts: where you were, what caused the fall, and when it happened. Do not guess or take the blame. Avoid saying things like “I wasn’t paying attention,” as it could be used against you later.
Take Photos and Save Evidence
Try to take clear photos of the scene. Focus on what caused the fall, whether it’s a wet floor, broken step, uneven surface, or ice. Take pictures from different angles. If there are no warning signs where there should have been, take photos of the area to show they were missing.
Also, hold on to the clothes and shoes you wore when you fell. They may show signs of the accident, such as tears, stains, or scuff marks. These items can help support your case. If anyone saw the fall, get their name and phone number so your attorney can follow up.
Be Careful What You Say or Share
After a fall, an insurance adjuster may call and ask for a statement. You do not have to give one right away. It’s smart to speak with a lawyer before agreeing to anything. Insurance companies often look for ways to deny or reduce claims.
Also, be cautious on social media. Even a simple post about feeling “fine” can be twisted and used to argue that you weren’t hurt.
Understand the Law in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, slip and fall cases fall under personal injury law. To succeed in a case, the injured person (the plaintiff) must prove that the property owner (the defendant) was negligent. That means the owner didn’t take reasonable care to fix or warn people about a hazard.
If a court finds the defendant responsible, they may have to pay for the losses you’ve experienced because of the injury, such as medical bills, missed work, and ongoing pain. However, Pennsylvania law limits your right to recover if you’re found more than 50 percent at fault. In this situation, you won’t be able to recover compensation. That’s why you need an attorney to fight back against attempts to pin the blame on you.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Take Action
In Pennsylvania, you usually have two years from the fall date to file a lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. After that, your claim may no longer be valid.
It’s better not to wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to collect evidence or find witnesses. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process and make sure no critical deadlines are missed.
Talk to a Pittsburgh Slip and Fall Lawyer
A slip and fall accident can disrupt your daily life in many ways. If someone else’s carelessness caused your injury, you may have the right to hold them accountable. At SMT Legal, we help injured people across Pittsburgh understand their rights and confidently take the next steps. If you’ve suffered an injury on someone else’s property, fill out our contact form today for the guidance and support you need.
