Slip and Fall Lawyer Pittsburgh

Slip and Fall - Person tripping over a cord

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe, but when they fail, serious slip and fall accidents can occur. If you’ve been injured due to a hazardous condition, Porta-Clark & Ward can help. Our slip and fall lawyers in Pittsburgh will fight to hold negligent property owners accountable. Call (412) 921-7350 for a free consultation.

Holding Store Owners Responsible for Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents happen every day in stores, supermarkets, and shopping centers. A simple trip can lead to serious injuries, leaving victims with medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing pain. In many cases, these accidents occur because a store owner failed to keep the property safe.

When a business does not take the necessary precautions, customers can get hurt. If this happens, the store owner may be held legally responsible. Understanding how liability works and what steps to take after an accident can help injured individuals recover the compensation they deserve.

Understanding Store Owner Responsibility

Business owners have a legal duty to keep their premises safe for customers. This responsibility falls under premises liability law, which requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent hazards.

A store owner may be held liable for a slip and fall injury if:

A dangerous condition existed on the property.
The owner knew about the hazard or should have known about it.
They failed to take action to fix the problem or warn customers.

Dangerous conditions can include wet floors, uneven surfaces, loose carpets, poor lighting, or cluttered walkways. If a business owner neglects these issues and someone gets injured, they may be responsible for damages.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Stores

Several factors contribute to slip and fall accidents in businesses. Some of the most common include:

Spills and wet floors – If an employee mops the floor or a customer spills a drink, the store must put up warning signs and clean it up promptly.
Uneven flooring – Cracked tiles, torn carpets, and loose floorboards create tripping hazards.
Poor lighting – Dimly lit areas make it harder for customers to see potential dangers.
Cluttered aisles – Merchandise, cords, or debris left in walkways can lead to falls.
Snow and ice – Store owners must clear sidewalks and parking lots to prevent slip hazards in the winter.

A business that ignores these risks puts customers in danger. If an accident happens because of a preventable hazard, the store may be responsible.

Proving Liability in a Slip and Fall Case

To hold a store owner accountable, the injured person must prove that negligence played a role in the accident. This means showing that the business failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the fall.

Key evidence in a slip and fall case may include:

Incident reports – Many stores require employees to fill out an accident report. Getting a copy of this report can be helpful.
Security footage – Video evidence can show what caused the fall and how long the hazard existed.
Witness statements – Shoppers or employees who saw the accident can support the claim.
Photos of the scene – Pictures of the hazard, such as a spill or broken flooring, can strengthen the case.
Medical records – Documentation of injuries proves the severity of the accident.

The timing of the accident is also important. If a hazard had been there for a while and store employees failed to address it, liability is more likely.

How Insurance Companies Try to Avoid Paying Claims

After a slip and fall accident, the store’s insurance company will investigate the claim. Their goal is to minimize payouts, so they often use tactics to deny or reduce compensation.

Common defenses include:

Blaming the victim – The insurer may argue that the injured person was not paying attention or was wearing improper footwear.
Claiming the hazard was obvious – If the store argues that the danger was easy to see, they may say the customer should have avoided it.
Denying knowledge of the hazard – Some businesses claim they were unaware of the dangerous condition, making it harder to prove negligence.

Insurance companies use these strategies to avoid responsibility. This is why gathering strong evidence and having legal representation can make a significant difference.

Compensation for Victims

Injuries from a slip and fall accident can be serious, leading to high medical expenses and time away from work. If a store owner is found liable, the victim may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical bills – Covers hospital visits, surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment.
Lost wages – If the injury prevents the victim from working, they may recover lost income.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress can be factored into the claim.
Future medical costs – Long-term injuries may require additional care.

Each case is different, and the amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and how the accident happened.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Injury

Taking the right steps after an accident can protect legal rights and strengthen a claim. If you are injured in a slip and fall incident, follow these steps:

Report the accident – Notify a store manager or employee right away. Ask for an incident report.
Take photos – Document the hazard, injuries, and surrounding area.
Get medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, seeing a doctor is important. Some injuries worsen over time.
Collect witness information – If anyone saw the fall, get their contact details.
Avoid discussing fault – Do not admit blame or make statements that could be used against you later.
Consult an attorney – A lawyer can evaluate the case and help navigate the legal process.

When to Seek Legal Help

Slip and fall cases can be challenging, especially when dealing with insurance companies. A lawyer can help gather evidence, handle negotiations, and fight for fair compensation.

Many personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. If you were injured due to a store’s negligence, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and next steps.

A Slip and Fall Attorney Who Fights for Your Rights

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, taking action quickly can make a difference in your case. Porta-Clark & Ward will strive to hold negligent property owners accountable. Call (412) 921-7350 today to speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney in Pittsburgh. Seeking legal guidance can help you secure the compensation you need to recover and move forward