Premises Liability in Philadelphia: Who’s Responsible When You’re Hurt on Unsafe Property?
Premises Liability in Philadelphia: Who’s Responsible When You’re Hurt on Unsafe Property?
When you enter a business, hotel, or even a friend’s home, you expect the property to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case—and when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, people get hurt. At Crichton Injury Law, we believe those responsible for unsafe premises should be held accountable.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner's legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for individuals who visit their property. If someone is injured due to hazardous or poorly maintained conditions, the injured party may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
This area of law covers a wide range of situations, including but not limited to:
- Slip and fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting
- Injuries from falling objects, such as unsecured artwork or unstable shelves
- Negligent security leading to assaults or criminal activity on the premises
- Hazardous conditions like broken stairs, icy sidewalks, or exposed wiring
Who Is Responsible?
In Pennsylvania, property owners—and sometimes tenants or property managers—are legally required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This duty includes:
- Performing regular inspections
- Promptly addressing and repairing dangerous conditions
- Providing adequate warnings for hazards that cannot be immediately fixed
When they fail to meet these responsibilities, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
Common Locations for Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability cases can arise just about anywhere. Some of the most common locations include:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Hotels and motels
- Grocery stores and shopping centers
- Apartment complexes
- Public sidewalks and parking lots
- Private residences
Regardless of where the injury happens, what matters is whether the person in charge of the property acted with reasonable care to prevent harm.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, taking the right steps is crucial. Here’s what we recommend:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first, and prompt treatment also helps document your injuries.
- Report the incident – Notify the property owner or manager and make sure an incident report is created if possible.
- Document everything – Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and any other relevant details.
- Contact a personal injury attorney – An attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
Why Choose Crichton Injury Law
At Crichton Injury Law, we are committed to helping injured individuals in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, we’re ready to stand by your side.
We offer compassionate, thorough legal support to help you through every step—from filing a claim to negotiating with insurance companies, and if necessary, representing you in court.
