If you fell on a wet floor at a grocery store, restaurant, or shopping mall, you may be able to sue the business for negligence. Under Pennsylvania law, business owners have a duty to inspect the premises and remediate any hazards. If your fall has resulted in medical bills, lost wages, or other accident-related damages, then you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, we discuss liability for property defects under state law as well as damages that you may be able to recoup.
Potential Injuries Due to Wet Floors
Whether due to a spilled drink, a freshly mopped floor, or high humidity, wet floors have been known to cause any of the following injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Any strike, bump, or blow to the head can disrupt normal brain function. Many slip-and-fall victims do experience traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, with many experiencing long-term effects. Although TBI symptoms vary, they often include loss of consciousness, vomiting, severe headaches, confusion, and irritability. Early intervention is key to avoiding potential complications.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Any twisting or pulling of the spine can cause spinal cord damage. Even though spinal cord injuries are most common in motor vehicle accidents, any damage to the nerves and vertebrae of the spinal cord can have significant consequences. Common symptoms include tingling or loss of sensation, loss of function below the site of injury, loss of bladder or bowel control, thermoregulation (inability to control body temperature), and muscle spasticity.
Broken Bones
A complete loss of control during a fall can prevent a person from protecting themselves, leading to one or more bone fractures. Typical fractures in a slip and fall include wrist fractures, leg fractures, ankle fractures, elbow fractures, and hip fractures. You may even break one or more fingers, which can affect your ability to perform basic tasks.
In older adults, hip fractures can have a profound impact on overall health. Adults over the age of 65 who experience a hip fracture typically experience a significant loss of function. Even with rehabilitative therapies, nearly one-third of individuals die within one year of their injury.
How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim in PA?
Business owners and property managers who fail to maintain their property in a safe condition may be held responsible for any injuries. It is not just the business owner who may be liable, but anyone responsible for ensuring the property is free of hazards. Under 42 Pa.C.S. §5524, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim in court. If you do not initiate your lawsuit within this time, you may be barred from recovering compensation.
Can a Business Be Held Liable if There is a “Wet Floor” Sign?
For a successful slip and fall claim, you must show that the property owner or supervisor knew of the hazardous condition, failed to remedy the situation, and as a direct result of the hazard, you experienced medical and financial harm. In some circumstances, the business owner may have been unaware of the danger. However, you may still be eligible to recover damages if you can show that they should have known about it and failed to take appropriate action.
Many business owners may attempt to avoid liability by putting out a “wet floor” sign. Store owners may claim that the sign adequately warned patrons of the hazardous condition, making them immune to liability. This is not true, as business owners remain obligated to ensure the property is safe for customers. If you experienced injuries from a wet floor, you must speak with a PA premises liability lawyer who can assist you in building a strong case to establish the other party’s liability while highlighting your losses.
Reach Out to Our PA Premises Liability Lawyers Today
The costs associated with a slip and fall can add up quickly, forcing you to miss substantial time from work while trying to keep up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a retail store, grocery store, or other establishment, you may be entitled to recovery. If you are unsure of how to get started, the PA premises liability attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, are here to help. To learn the actual value of your slip-and-fall case, contact our office online or by phone at (717) 229-6580 to arrange your free consultation.