Slip and fall accidents can happen in an instant—but the consequences can last a lifetime. From broken bones and head trauma to long-term mobility issues, these incidents often lead to significant pain, lost wages, and mounting medical bills. At Kunnel Law, we frequently represent clients who have been injured due to unsafe property conditions. One of the most important questions in these cases is: What responsibilities do property owners have when it comes to preventing falls?
The Duty to Maintain Safe Conditions
In Pennsylvania, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This applies whether the property is a private residence, a commercial business, or a public facility. The law recognizes that property owners are in the best position to prevent hazards that could cause injuries.
This duty includes:
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Regularly inspecting the property for hazards
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Fixing dangerous conditions promptly
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Warning visitors of any known, unrepaired dangers
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Removing snow and ice in a timely manner
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Keeping walkways, stairs, and entryways free of clutter or debris
Different Duties for Different Visitors
The level of responsibility a property owner owes depends in part on why the injured person was on the property. Pennsylvania recognizes three main categories:
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Invitees – These are people who enter the property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers in a store. Owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, including actively inspecting for and repairing dangers.
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Licensees – These are social guests or others on the property with permission, but not for the owner’s financial benefit. Owners must warn licensees of known hazards that may not be obvious.
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Trespassers – While property owners owe limited duties to trespassers, they may still be liable if their conduct is willfully harmful or if children are involved under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine.
Common Fall Hazards on Properties
Some of the most frequent causes of falls include:
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Uneven sidewalks or broken pavement
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Slippery floors without warning signs
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Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
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Loose handrails or unstable steps
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Icy walkways that have not been treated
When property owners fail to address these conditions, they put everyone at risk. And if someone gets hurt, they may be held legally responsible.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured?
If you’ve suffered a fall on someone else’s property, take the following steps:
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Seek medical attention immediately. Your health is the top priority.
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Report the incident. Inform the property owner, manager, or staff and ask for an incident report.
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Document the scene. Take photos of the hazard and your injuries if possible.
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Get witness information. If anyone saw your fall, their testimony could be helpful.
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Contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights and whether you may be entitled to compensation.
Why Property Owner Negligence Matters
Property owners don’t need to guarantee that no one will ever fall—but they do need to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. When they cut corners or ignore dangerous conditions, they put innocent people in harm’s way.
At Kunnel Law, we’re committed to holding negligent property owners accountable. We’ve helped countless clients throughout Pennsylvania recover compensation for their injuries after a fall, and we’re here to fight for you too.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall, don’t wait. Call Kunnel Law for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a complete summary of Pennsylvania premises liability law. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its specific facts and circumstances. If you have questions about your legal rights following an accident, please consult with an experienced attorney.