Practice Areas:

Premises Liability Lawyer

Focused Areas

  • Slip and Fall
  • Inadequate Security
  • Swimming Pool Accidents
  • Amusement Park Accidents
  • Retail Store Accidents
  • Elevator/Escalator Accidents

Our Premises Liability Lawyer service offers expert legal representation for individuals injured on another's property. We handle cases involving slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, and swimming pool accidents.

We also represent clients in amusement park accidents, retail store accidents, and elevator/escalator accidents. Our experienced attorneys work diligently to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Committed to providing effective and personalized legal support, we guide our clients through the legal process with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your premises liability case.

Premises Liability Lawyer

More Practice Areas

Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer

Comprehensive legal representation for personal injury cases and related injuries.
See More
Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Lawyer

Compassionate legal representation for truck accident cases and related injuries.
See More
Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful Death Attorney

Compassionate legal support for wrongful death cases and grieving families.
See More
Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Dedicated legal representation for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect.
See More

FAQs

Welcome to the FAQ section of Pallante Law. Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding our legal services and practice areas. Whether you’re seeking information about specific legal issues or want to learn more about how we can assist you, we’ve compiled these answers to help guide you.

How long does a personal injury lawsuit take in Philadelphia?
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The duration of a personal injury lawsuit in Philadelphia can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. On average, the process can take anywhere from several months to a few years. The timeline generally follows these steps:

  1. Initial Consultation and Investigation: This involves meeting with a lawyer, gathering evidence, and building the case, which can take several weeks to months, depending on how quickly evidence is available.
  2. Filing the Lawsuit: Once the lawsuit is filed, the defendant is given a certain amount of time to respond (usually 30 days). The pre-trial process starts after that.
  3. Discovery Phase: During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and take depositions. This phase can take several months, particularly if there are disputes over evidence or if expert witnesses are involved.
  4. Negotiations and Settlement Discussions: Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, which can happen at any point in the process. Settling before trial saves time, but this phase can last from a few months to over a year depending on how willing both parties are to negotiate.
  5. Trial (if necessary): If the case doesn’t settle, it will go to trial, which can take several days to weeks. After the trial, it may still take time to receive a final judgment or award.
  6. Appeals (if applicable): If either party is dissatisfied with the verdict, they may file an appeal, further extending the process.

An experienced attorney will aim to resolve the case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation, but the timeline can vary based on the specifics of the case and the legal strategy involved.

Can I still file a personal injury claim if I was partially at fault in Philadelphia?
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Yes, you can still file a personal injury claim in Philadelphia even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows injured parties to recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example:

  • If you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. So, if you were awarded $100,000, you would receive $80,000 after the reduction.
  • If you are 51% or more at fault, you will not be entitled to any compensation. Determining fault can be complicated, which is why having a skilled attorney who understands Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence laws is critical. They can help you navigate this process, gather evidence to minimize your fault, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

What evidence is needed to prove a personal injury claim in Philadelphia?
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To prove a personal injury claim in Philadelphia, you need to gather strong evidence demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. Essential evidence typically includes:

  • Medical Records: Detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and prognosis is crucial. Medical records prove the extent of your injuries and can link them to the accident.
  • Accident Reports: Whether it’s a police report from a car accident or an incident report from a slip and fall, official documentation of the accident helps establish the facts of what happened.
  • Witness Statements: If anyone saw the accident occur, their testimony can corroborate your version of events and support your claim of negligence.
  • Photographs and Videos: Pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, or any property damage provide visual evidence that can be very persuasive in court or negotiations.
  • Expert Testimony: In complex cases, experts such as accident reconstructionist, medical professionals, or vocational experts may be needed to explain the cause of the accident or the impact of your injuries.
  • Proof of Financial Losses: Receipts, bills, and pay stubs serve as evidence of the financial losses you’ve suffered, such as medical bills or lost wages. The more thorough and organized your evidence is, the stronger your claim will be. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and presented effectively.

How is the value of a personal injury claim determined in Pennsylvania?
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The value of a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania is based on several factors, all of which are aimed at compensating the victim for their damages. Some key considerations include:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatment required as a result of the injury.
  • Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries cause you to miss work, the claim will include compensation for lost income. If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, the claim can include compensation for loss of earning potential.
  • Pain and Suffering: Pennsylvania allows victims to claim damages for both physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the injury. This includes chronic pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Property Damage: In cases such as car accidents, you may also be compensated for any property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement costs.
  • Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows the “comparative negligence” rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you may not recover any damages.
  • Severity and Long-Term Impact: Injuries that result in permanent disability or require long-term care, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or severe burns, typically lead to higher compensation due to their lasting impact on your life.

An attorney can evaluate these factors and work with you to estimate a fair settlement based on the unique circumstances of your case.

What Constitutes Premises Liability in Philadelphia?
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  • Definition: Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. It encompasses injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on the property.
  • Types of Hazards: Common hazards include slip and fall conditions, inadequate security, defective property conditions, and poorly maintained premises.
  • Duty of Care: Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm by addressing known hazards and ensuring their property is safe for visitors.
  • Proving Liability: To establish premises liability, you must show that the property owner was negligent, the hazardous condition was present, and it directly caused your injury.
  • Consult a Lawyer: A personal injury attorney can help assess the details of your case, gather evidence, and prove that the property owner’s negligence led to your injury.

What steps should I take if I slip and fall on someone else’s property in Philadelphia?
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  • Seek Medical Attention: First, attend to any injuries by seeking medical care. This ensures your health is prioritized and creates a medical record of your injuries.
  • Report the Incident: Inform the property owner or manager about the fall as soon as possible. Document their response and obtain a written report if available.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect evidence from the scene, including photographs of the hazardous condition that caused the fall, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
  • Document Your Injuries: Keep records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the injuries have had on your daily life and work.
  • Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney specializing in slip and fall accidents can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your damages.

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case in Philadelphia?
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  • Injury or Harm: You must have suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm due to another party's negligence or intentional misconduct. Common injuries include broken bones, head injuries, or emotional distress.
  • Negligence: Determine if another party’s negligence caused your injury. Negligence involves a failure to exercise reasonable care, such as a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to maintain safe conditions.
  • Causation: Establish a direct link between the negligent behavior and your injury. This means proving that the harm you suffered was a direct result of the other party’s actions.
  • Damages: Evaluate the damages you have incurred, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You need to quantify these damages to pursue compensation effectively.
  • Consult an Attorney: Personal injury lawyers offer free consultations to assess the viability of your case. They can help determine if you have a valid claim based on the specifics of your situation.

Contact your Philadelphia personal injury attorney, John D. Pallante today!