King of Prussia, PA Premises Liability Attorney

Dedicated Premises Liability Lawyer Based in King of Prussia

Accidents happen every day, whether in the form of a person tripping on a freshly mopped floor, a piece of merchandise falling on a customer's head, or a stair or guardrail giving way beneath a visitor. Sometimes, a property owner may bear legal responsibility for paying for the victim's damages after an accident. A King of Prussia premises liability attorney can help you figure out when this liability applies and pursue payment on your behalf.

For legal assistance with your injury claim, turn to Neuwirth Law Office, LLC. Attorney Andrew Neuwirth is respected by both his clients and his fellow attorneys, as he provides clear legal guidance and straightforward counsel in every case.

When Is a Property Owner Liable for Injury in Pennsylvania?

A property owner can be held liable for an injury when a dangerous condition on the property caused harm and the owner knew, or reasonably should have known, about that danger. Pennsylvania law generally categorizes visitors as invitees, licensees, or trespassers, and the level of care an owner owes depends on which category applies to the injured person. Invitees, such as customers at a business, are typically owed the highest duty of care, meaning the owner must regularly inspect the property and fix or warn about known hazards.

Licensees, such as social guests, are owed a somewhat lower duty, requiring the owner to warn of hazards they are already aware of but not necessarily to seek out new ones. Trespassers are generally owed the least protection, though exceptions are carved out in the law for children. To succeed in a premises liability claim, you typically need to show that a dangerous condition existed, that the owner had notice of it, and that the owner failed to correct or warn about the hazard within a reasonable amount of time.

What Should You Do After an Accident on Somebody Else's Property?

When injured on someone else's property, your first priority should be to protect your own health and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries like concussions take time to become fully apparent. Report the accident to the property owner or an employee on site right away, and ask that an accident report be created documenting exactly what happened and where. Request a copy of this report if possible, or at least note who completed it and when.

While you are still at the scene, take photographs of the hazard that caused your injury, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries before the hazard is repaired or removed. Gather contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, since their account can support your version of events later. Avoid signing any documents or giving a detailed statement to an insurance representative before speaking with a lawyer.

Common Types of Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims can arise in many different settings. Slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or icy walkways are among the most common. Falling merchandise, broken stairs, and inadequate security leading to an assault can also form the basis of a claim. Swimming pool accidents and dog bites are additional common categories, particularly when an owner failed to secure a pool or control a known aggressive animal.

Claims can also arise on government property, such as a sidewalk, park, government building, or public transit station, though these cases often involve additional notice requirements and legal protections that do not apply to claims against private property owners. Identifying the correct type of claim and the party responsible is an important first step in pursuing compensation.

Meet With a King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Premises Liability Lawyer

At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we investigate the hazard that caused your injury to identify who should be held accountable. Call 215-259-3687 or contact our King of Prussia premises liability attorney to set up a free consultation.