Premises Liability

Pennsylvania Premises Liability Lawyer

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Property owners and occupiers have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for people who are lawfully present. When a dangerous condition causes an injury, the property owner or another responsible party may be liable for the resulting damages.

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McGowan Legal LLC represents individuals injured in premises liability accidents in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania, including claims involving slips and falls, unsafe property conditions, inadequate maintenance, and other hazards.

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Premises Liability Claims in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania

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Premises liability cases can arise from many different types of dangerous conditions, including:

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• Slip and fall accidents

• Trip and fall accidents

• Snow and ice accidents

• Defective or damaged sidewalks

• Unsafe stairs, steps, and handrails

• Poorly maintained parking lots

• Inadequate lighting

• Dangerous conditions in stores and businesses

• Falling objects

• Inadequate property maintenance

• Dog bites and other animal-related injuries

• Unsafe conditions on residential or commercial property

 

These accidents can occur at businesses, apartment buildings, private residences, parking lots, sidewalks, and other properties throughout Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and Western Pennsylvania.

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When Is a Property Owner Liable?

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A property owner is not automatically responsible for every injury that occurs on the property. Pennsylvania premises liability claims generally require an analysis of the condition that caused the injury, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and what the property owner or occupier knew or reasonably should have known about the dangerous condition.

Important questions may include:

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• What caused the accident?

• How long had the dangerous condition existed?

• Did the property owner know about the condition?

• Should the property owner reasonably have discovered the condition?

• Was the condition reported to the property owner or its employees?

• Was the condition adequately repaired or corrected?

• Were appropriate warnings provided?

• Was the injured person lawfully on the property?

• Did the condition present an unreasonable risk of harm?

 

Evidence establishing how and when a dangerous condition arose can be particularly important in premises liability litigation.

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Slip and Fall Accidents

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Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability claims. A fall may result from a wet or slippery floor, uneven pavement, damaged flooring, snow or ice, debris, inadequate lighting, or another dangerous condition.

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After a fall, evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, employees may forget what they observed, and the dangerous condition may be repaired before it can be documented.

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Photographs, witness information, incident reports, surveillance footage, medical records, and other evidence can therefore be important when investigating a potential Pittsburgh slip and fall claim.

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Snow and Ice Accidents

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Winter conditions create particular issues for property owners and injured individuals in Western Pennsylvania. Snow and ice may accumulate on sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, and other areas where people are expected to travel.

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Whether a property owner is legally responsible for an injury caused by snow or ice depends on the circumstances of the particular accident and applicable Pennsylvania law. An investigation may include the property's maintenance practices, weather conditions, photographs, surveillance footage, and the timing and nature of the accumulation.

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Landlord and Property Owner Liability

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Premises liability issues can also arise at residential rental properties. Tenants and their guests may suffer injuries because of defective stairs, inadequate lighting, unsafe common areas, deteriorated sidewalks, or other dangerous conditions.

Determining who may be responsible can require examination of the lease, maintenance responsibilities, ownership of the property, control over the area where the accident occurred, and the nature of the dangerous condition.

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Evidence in a Premises Liability Case

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A successful premises liability claim often depends on evidence demonstrating both the dangerous condition and the property owner's responsibility for it. Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence may include:

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• Photographs and videos of the accident scene

• Surveillance footage

• Witness statements

• Incident and accident reports

• Maintenance and inspection records

• Prior complaints concerning the condition

• Property maintenance policies

• Weather records

• Medical records and bills

• Employment and wage records

 

McGowan Legal LLC can investigate the circumstances surrounding an injury and identify evidence that may be relevant to establishing liability and damages.

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Compensation for Premises Liability Injuries
 

Depending on the circumstances, an injured person may be entitled to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the injury.
 

The value and viability of a premises liability claim depend on the facts of the individual case, including the nature of the injury, the evidence establishing liability, and the applicable Pennsylvania law.
 

Premises Liability Representation in Pittsburgh
 

McGowan Legal LLC represents individuals pursuing premises liability claims in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and throughout Western Pennsylvania. If you have been injured because of a dangerous condition on someone else's property, obtaining legal advice promptly can help preserve evidence and determine whether you may have a viable claim.

Contact McGowan Legal LLC to discuss your premises liability case and your legal options.