Pittsburgh Slip-and-Fall Lawyer

Slip-and-Fall Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA

If you were hurt because a property owner failed to keep their premises safe, then it’s important that you hire an experienced Pittsburgh slip-and-fall lawyer as soon as possible.

Homeowners and managers of properties in Pennsylvania have a legal responsibility to prevent unsafe conditions and warn the public or remove hazards as quickly as possible when an unsafe condition exists on their property.

Over the past several years, there has been a rapid change regarding property owner liability in injury and wrongful death cases involving slip-and-fall accidents. As juries have placed greater responsibility on injury victims for avoiding the hazard, insurance companies have grown bolder in their resistance to paying out full and fair money damages in settlement offers.

Slip-and-fall accidents may seem simple and straightforward, but they often require an in-depth investigation into the property owner’s history, safety inspection records, maintenance subcontracts, and insurance law. Having the right kind of legal experience fighting on your behalf is becoming more important with every passing year.

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we take the time to explain how local and state slip-and-fall laws apply to your situation. Our team helps injured people throughout Pennsylvania to understand their options, the claims process, and what compensation could be available after a serious fall. We’re standing by and ready to fight for your rights when you bring a slip-and-fall case.

Winning a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Pennsylvania Takes Experience

We are the premises liability injury and wrongful death litigation attorneys of Ainsman Levine, LLC, in Pittsburgh. Since 1993, we have been protecting the rights of people injured because of negligence or misconduct on the part of property owners, their property managers, and subcontracted agents.

If you were injured in a slip-and-fall accident at a retail store, in a public building, in a parking lot, or on a sidewalk, don’t assume there is nothing you can do about collecting damages. Contact us for a free consultation. We have an excellent record of obtaining full and fair compensation after insurance companies offer little or nothing for financial damages.

Where Slip-and-Fall Accidents Occur in Pittsburgh

Accounting for 35% of all preventable injuries, slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but certain locations are more prone to hazards that lead to injuries. Some of the most common locations include:

• Retail stores
• Private homes
• Apartment complexes and residential buildings
• Swimming pool accidents
• Stairwell injuries
• Entryway door injuries
• Elevator and escalator injuries
• Pedestrian injuries in parking lots or on sidewalks
• Construction and maintenance areas
• Workplaces
• Public spaces

Each of these locations presents unique hazards, and property owners or managers have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions under Pennsylvania’s slip-and-fall laws. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our team is experienced when it comes to evaluating the circumstances of falls in Pittsburgh, and we’re dedicated to doing everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Pittsburgh

Slip-and-fall accidents are often caused by hazards that the property owner either knew about or that they should have known about and didn’t correct. Our Pittsburgh slip-and-fall attorneys dig into the details in our quest to uncover liability, and that starts with investigating if the owner complied with all applicable slip-and-fall laws. Some of the most common causes of slip-and-fall accidents include:

• Wet floors from spills or freshly mopped surfaces that aren’t signed
• Tracked-in rain or snow, saturated entry mats, and indoor puddles
• Uneven transitions like raised thresholds, broken tiles, and loose rugs
• Stairway hazards like missing handrails, worn stair treads, or uneven riser heights
• Parking lot and garage dangers, including potholes, oil or grease, bad lighting, or broken wheel stops
• Construction or maintenance areas with cords, debris, or temporary floor coverings
• Winter conditions, like untreated ice, refreezing patches, and slush accumulation on walkways
• Negligent security and assault

Slip-and-fall accidents rarely happen for no reason, and when property owners fail to address common hazards, innocent people pay the price. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our team is ready to review the circumstances of your fall, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward recovering your losses.

Damages You Could Be Entitled To

Being injured in a slip-and-fall accident can create serious financial and personal challenges, but pursuing a legal claim allows you to recover your losses. Our Pittsburgh slip-and-fall attorneys can evaluate the full range of damages you could be entitled to, and depending on your circumstances, they could include:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term care

Every slip-and-fall case is different, but having a grasp of what you could be eligible for can help you make sure that every possible avenue of compensation is explored. At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we’re dedicated to investigating all possible avenues of compensation to secure every last cent you’re entitled to.

What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall

After a slip-and-fall accident, many are left disoriented and embarrassed thanks to the stigma associated with falling in public. With that mindset, protecting your legal rights takes a backseat to getting away from the situation as soon as possible. However, taking the right steps after a slip-and-fall not only protects your health, but it can also strengthen your slip-and-fall accident claim. Taking these steps can help:

1. Get medical attention right away. Even minor injuries should be evaluated, as some symptoms develop later on.
2. Report the incident. Notify a manager or property owner and request an official incident report.
3. Document the hazard. Take photos or videos of the conditions that caused your fall, including lighting, warning signs, and weather or ice.
4. Collect witness information. Note the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
5. Preserve clothing and footwear. Keep the items you were wearing at the time, and don’t wash or discard them.
6. Avoid making any recorded statements to insurers. Wait until you have legal guidance.
7. Track expenses and lost work. Keep records of all medical bills, transportation costs, and any income you’ve lost because of the injury.

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our team is ready to guide you through the process and to help make sure your rights are fully protected after a slip-and-fall accident.

FAQs

Q: Is It Possible for Me to Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault?

A: Yes, you can still recover compensation if you were partly at fault. Because of the modified comparative negligence rule in PA, you can be assigned a percentage of blame for your part in the accident that led to your injuries. Once that percentage is negotiated by our team, any compensation awarded to you is then reduced by that same percentage amount.

Q: How Long Do Slip-and-Fall Cases Usually Take?

A: There’s no usual amount of time when it comes to how long a slip-and-fall case might take. That’s because the duration depends on factors like how complicated the case is, how severe your injuries are, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate. Many cases settle within a few months, while others could take a year or more if the claim has to go into litigation.

Q: Can My Slip-and-Fall Case Settle Out of Court?

A: Yes, your slip-and-fall case can settle out of court. Most slip-and-fall cases are resolved through settlement negotiations as opposed to going to trial. The success of negotiations hinges on the strength of the evidence, so it’s important to make sure that a complete investigation is conducted to account for your injuries, your damages, and to establish liability.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Slip-and-Fall Claim in Pennsylvania?

A: The length of time you have to file a slip-and-fall claim in Pennsylvania is dictated by the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. Generally speaking, many people have two years from when the incident occurred to file. However, depending on your circumstances, that window could be different, so it’s critical that you reach out to us as soon as possible. If you miss your deadline, you give up your legal right to seek compensation.

Slip-and-Fall Injury Cases Handled on a Contingency Fee Basis

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, our attorneys provide experienced and personalized legal services tailored to meet clients’ short- and long-term needs and goals. We are Pittsburgh’s straight-talking personal injury lawyers.

Our local team regularly appears before the Allegheny County Courthouse, the US District Court for Western Pennsylvania, and local Magisterial District Courts, which means we’re familiar with the local procedures and expectations that could determine your case.

If you’ve been injured, call our slip-and-fall lawyers for a free consultation today.

Our offices are just off the Parkway, next to the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Contact us to discuss your questions and concerns during a free consultation with one of our experienced Pittsburgh slip-and-fall injury lawyers today. As long as this law firm represents you, there are no attorneys’ fees or costs if you do not recover money damages in a settlement or jury verdict.

We understand that your injuries or other circumstances may make it difficult for you to come to our offices in downtown Pittsburgh. Our lawyers can arrange to make home, office, and hospital visits throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania.