Pittsburgh Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

Have you been injured as a result of dangerous conditions on someone else’s property? If so, a Pittsburgh premises liability lawyer from Ainsman Levine, LLC, can help you pursue a premises liability claim.

Our team understands the major impact that property-related accidents can have on your health, finances, and peace of mind. So, if you have been injured in a slip-and-fall incident, including one that resulted from slippery floors, ice, or another hazard, contact us for the services of a Pittsburgh premises liability attorney who understands the issues and knows how to get the results you need.

How to Recognize When You Might Have a Premises Liability Case

It’s not always easy to figure out if you have a valid premises liability claim, especially when you’re trying to cope with an injury. Understanding the key factors that make a premises liability claim stronger can help you determine whether it’s worth pursuing legal action. A claim is usually more solid if you can answer yes to the following questions:

• Were you on the property lawfully as a customer, tenant, guest, or delivery driver?
• Was there a dangerous condition, like a spill, a broken step, a missing handrail, poor lighting, uneven flooring, or unsecured merchandise?
• Did the owner or manager create the hazard, know about it, or should they have discovered it through reasonable inspections?
• Did the dangerous condition directly cause your fall or injury?
• Did you suffer losses, like medical bills, time off work, ongoing symptoms, or long-term impairment?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you could have a strong premises liability claim on your hands. However, it’s important to note that in these kinds of cases, it’s possible for more than one party to be responsible, like the owner, manager, maintenance contractors, or security companies. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our Pittsburgh premises liability attorneys can review your situation and work to identify who could be responsible.

What Are Some Common Causes of Injuries on Business Premises?

Premises liability claims can recover damages for injuries resulting from conditions such as:

• Slippery floors
• Broken or defective sidewalks and other surfaces
• Ice and snow
• The presence of dangerous animals
• Inadequate security resulting in assault
• Falling objects
• Dangerous or toxic chemicals

Injuries that may give rise to a valid premises liability claim can happen in a variety of public, private, and commercial properties, including shopping malls, parking lots, ramps, walkways, stadiums, hotels and motels, supermarkets, and warehouse stores.

In the United States, trip-and-fall incidents result in countless injuries each year, making up 35% of all premises liability claims, and they’re one of the more common claims we deal with on a daily basis. That means our Pittsburgh premises liability attorneys have the experience needed to build a strong claim and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Types of Compensation in a Premises Liability Case

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, you might be able to recover more than just your medical bills. Pennsylvania’s premises liability laws allow injured victims to go after compensation for a variety of losses. That means that, depending on the facts of your case, you could be entitled to damages for:

• Medical expenses. This includes all costs related to the treatment of your injuries, like emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
• Lost wages. If your injury forces you to miss work, you could be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery period.
• Loss of earning capacity. If your injuries have a lasting impact that prevents you from returning to your old job, you could be entitled to compensation for the loss.
• Pain and suffering. This refers to the physical discomfort, limitations, and ongoing challenges that are caused by your injury.
• Emotional distress. Beyond the physical pain, emotional distress includes anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or stress.
• Psychological trauma. Severe accidents could cause lasting psychological effects, like post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, or phobias related to the incident.
• Property damage. If personal belongings like clothing, electronics, or other items were damaged during your accident, you could get reimbursed for their repair or replacement.

The right legal guidance can make a big difference when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our experienced team can review your case, identify all potential sources of recovery, and gather all the evidence needed to make sure you’re fully compensated.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Injury

When you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it can be confusing and stressful. However, knowing what to do right after the incident can protect both your health and your legal rights. By following a few simple steps, you can secure the evidence you need to build a strong premises liability claim. Follow these steps:

1. Get medical care as soon as possible, even if your symptoms seem minor.
2. Report the incident to the manager or property owner and request that an incident report be filed.
3. Photograph the hazard and the surrounding area, including the lighting, signage, floor mats, and your shoes or clothing.
4. Collect witness information and note if cameras might have captured the incident.
5. Preserve all evidence, like shoes, clothing, receipts, and any communication with the property owner. In addition, avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve consulted with a lawyer.

Taking these proactive steps right after your accident can help preserve the evidence and strengthen your claim. These steps are also important for those who are injured while working, as you could have both a workers’ compensation claim and a separate third-party premises liability claim on your hands. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our team fights to make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

FAQs

Q: Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for My Injury?

A: Yes, you can file a claim if you were partially at fault for your injury. In Pennsylvania, the law follows a modified comparative negligence rule. What this means is you can be assigned a percentage of responsibility for your part in getting injured. Later, your compensation is then reduced by that same percentage amount.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim?

A: Pennsylvania’s personal injury statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a premises liability claim, and generally, that means you have two years from the date of the incident. However, there are exceptions, so it’s important that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. If you miss the deadline, you forfeit your right to file.

Q: Are Landlords Always Responsible for Injuries on Rental Properties?

A: No, landlords aren’t always responsible for injuries on rental properties. Landlords are responsible for maintaining safe conditions, but tenants could also share responsibility, depending on the circumstances. Liability depends on who had control of the hazard, prior knowledge of the dangerous condition, and whether reasonable inspections were conducted.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Premises Liability Case?

A: To resolve a premises liability case, it could take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer, depending on factors like how serious your injuries are, the complexity of liability, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Our team can help streamline the process and keep you informed of the timeline. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we fight to maximize your chances of a fair settlement without subjecting you to unnecessary delays.

Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania

When you hire a premises liability lawyer from Ainsman Levine, LLC, you get the guidance of an experienced attorney who is supported by a personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting you and your future — in and out of court.

We regularly practice in the Allegheny County Courthouse, the Joseph F. Weis Jr. US Courthouse, and local Magisterial District Courts. This means we understand the local procedures and expectations that can shape the outcome of your claim.

If you have been injured as a result of dangerous and/or negligent conditions on someone else’s property, contact us online or call us today at 412-338-9030 to schedule your free initial consultation.