Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer

If you've been hurt in a fall on someone else's property, a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer at Wapner Newman can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. For over 40 years, our team has stood up for injury victims across the city, winning millions on their behalf.

Whether you tripped over broken pavement near Reading Terminal Market or slipped on an unmarked wet floor in a South Philly grocery store, we know how to hold property owners accountable.

Call us today for a free consultation. Can't make it to our office on JFK Boulevard? No problem. We'll come to you, or we'll arrange to pick you up.

Why Choose Wapner Newman for Your Philadelphia Slip and Fall Case?

When you're dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost time at work, you need a legal team with a proven track record. Here's what sets Wapner Newman apart:

• Decades of proven results. Our attorneys have secured landmark victories, including a $227 million result in the Market Street building collapse and millions more for injured clients throughout Pennsylvania.
• We fight the insurance companies so you don't have to. Insurers use lowball tactics to pay you less than you deserve. We know their playbook, and we push back aggressively for fair compensation.
• You're family, not a case number. At Wapner Newman, our clients become part of our extended family. We keep you informed at every step and make sure you always know what's happening with your case.
• We come to you. If your injuries make it difficult to travel, our team will meet you wherever you're comfortable, whether that's your home, a hospital, or another location. We can also arrange to pick you up if you need a ride to our office.
• No fee unless we win. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when you get paid.

You're already dealing with enough stress after a serious fall. Let Wapner Newman carry the legal burden so you can focus on healing. Reach out today to get started.

What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?

A slip and fall claim is a type of personal injury claim that arises when someone is hurt because of a dangerous condition on another person's or company's property. In legal terms, these cases fall under "premises liability," which simply means that property owners and managers have a legal duty to keep their spaces reasonably safe for visitors.

Under Pennsylvania's premises liability laws, property owners can be held accountable when they know about a hazard, or should have known about it, and fail to fix it or warn people. If that failure leads to your injury, you may have the right to seek compensation.

Common slip and fall hazards include:

• Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
• Icy or snow-covered sidewalks and parking lots
• Broken or uneven stairs
• Torn carpeting or damaged flooring
• Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages
• Cluttered aisles in stores or warehouses
• Cracked or raised pavement on walkways

These accidents happen every day in grocery stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, office complexes, and public sidewalks throughout Philadelphia. When they do, the property owner or manager may owe you compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents in Philadelphia

Falls might sound minor, but they often cause serious, life-changing injuries. Many of our clients come to us dealing with:

• Broken bones and fractures, especially in the wrists, hips, and ankles
• Traumatic brain injuries from hitting the ground or a hard surface
• Spinal cord injuries that can lead to chronic pain or limited mobility
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage in the knees, shoulders, or back
• Deep cuts and lacerations that may require surgery or leave lasting scars

These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work. For older adults, a bad fall can mean a permanent change in independence and quality of life. No matter how severe your injuries are, our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers will work to hold the responsible party accountable.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Slip and Fall in Philadelphia?

One of the most important parts of any slip and fall case is identifying who is responsible for the dangerous condition that caused your injury. Depending on where your accident happened, the liable party could be:

• A commercial property owner, such as the owner of a shopping center, restaurant, or office building
• A residential landlord who fails to maintain common areas like lobbies, stairwells, or parking lots
• A business tenant that operates a store or restaurant and is responsible for keeping the premises safe for customers
• A property management company hired to handle maintenance and repairs
• The City of Philadelphia or a government entity, if your fall was caused by a defective public sidewalk or a poorly maintained municipal building

In many cases, more than one party shares responsibility. Our legal team thoroughly investigates every angle to make sure all liable parties are identified so you can pursue the full compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall?

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. These may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation
• Lost wages from time missed at work during your recovery
• Future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
• Pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries prevent you from doing the activities you once loved

Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts of your situation. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the financial resources of the responsible party all play a role. When you meet with our team, we'll assess the details of your case and give you an honest evaluation of what your claim may be worth.

How Pennsylvania's Comparative Fault Rule Affects Your Case

One thing insurance companies often try to do is blame you for your own fall. Maybe they say you were looking at your phone, wearing the wrong shoes, or should have seen the hazard. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is less than 51%.

However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your damages are worth $100,000 but finds you were 20% responsible, your award would be reduced to $80,000.

Insurance adjusters frequently use this rule to try to minimize what they owe you. That's exactly why having a skilled Philadelphia slip and fall attorney matters. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics, gather strong evidence, and present your case in the most favorable light.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

Once you're back home and safe after a fall, there are several important steps you can take to protect your health and strengthen a potential legal claim:

• Follow through with all medical treatment. Keep every appointment and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Gaps in treatment can be used against you by insurance companies.
• Document everything. Take photos of your injuries as they heal. Save all medical records, bills, receipts, and any correspondence related to your accident.
• Write down what happened. As soon as you're able, create a detailed account of how and where the fall occurred, including the date, time, weather conditions, and anything you noticed about the hazard.
• Avoid posting on social media. Insurance adjusters will look at your online activity to find anything they can use to downplay your injuries or blame you for the accident.
• Don't speak to the property owner's insurance company. You're not required to give a recorded statement. Anything you say can be twisted and used to reduce your claim. Let your attorney handle all communication.
• Contact a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get legal help, the sooner critical evidence can be preserved before it disappears.

Taking these steps early can make a real difference in the outcome of your case. Our team at Wapner Newman can guide you through every part of the process from day one.

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Cases

In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. While two years may sound like plenty of time, building a strong case takes careful investigation, evidence gathering, and preparation. Waiting too long can put your case at risk.

Evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and property conditions change. The sooner you reach out to a slip and fall attorney, the better your chances of preserving the proof you need to win.

FAQs Answered by Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about slip and fall cases in Philadelphia.

Hurt in a Fall? Let the Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers at Wapner Newman Fight for You.

A slip and fall injury can change your daily life in ways you never expected. You shouldn't have to shoulder the financial burden when someone else's carelessness caused your pain. At Wapner Newman, our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys have the experience, the resources, and the determination to pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Call us today for your free consultation. If you can't come to our office, we'll come to you, or we'll pick you up. Your fight is our fight, and we're here for you no matter what.