Sidewalk Slip and Fall Accidents
April 24, 2019
According to a 2018 investigative report by NBC news in Philadelphia, over $17 million was paid out to victims of slip and fall accidents on Philadelphia sidewalks in recent years. This can have an impact on residential tax payments. Most of the accidents were in far flung areas of the city where multiple hazards cropped up from situations such as stagnant pools of water to overgrown grass covering cracks in the sidewalk. In some areas of Philadelphia, water from overhead pipes is constantly dripping onto the sidewalk, causing hazards. Broken concrete that is not timely repaired can also present a risk.
An accident on a city sidewalk can be tricky business when determining liability. In many instances, the city is responsible, but in certain areas or circumstances, a homeowner may be liable. It could also depend on the homeowner’s deed and city laws. To prove negligence in a slip and fall case, one must prove that the property owner of the sidewalk knew or should have known of the dangerous hazard and failed to fix it and uphold a duty of reasonable care. Negligence can be proven if the municipality previously received complaints about said hazard. There are also certain deadlines to follow when filing claims against municipalities.
After a Sidewalk Accident
If you experience a slip and fall on the sidewalk, documenting the exact circumstances and area is very important. Take pictures of any weather hazards that contributed to your accident, such as puddles of water, sheets of ice, or piles of snow. If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information, as this information could be crucial to your case.
Gathering information about whether people have complained to the city, town, or homeowner about the hazard is also important. If you happen to meet neighbors who said they complained, gather that information and verify it. Seek medical attention immediately and take photos of any relevant injuries which occurred as a result of the slip and fall.
Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates Help Those Injured on Sidewalks
If you or someone you know was injured in a slip and fall accident on a sidewalk or public property, the Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates can provide you with appropriate legal advice and determine which facts are most important to your case. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Please contact us online or call us today at 215-569-9100 for a free consultation.
