Billions Recovered for Clients | Over 50 Years in Philadelphia | No Fee Unless We Win
Many people think that slip and fall accidents result in nothing more than a scraped knee or a bruised ego. But for many people, a seemingly minor tumble results in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries.
A broken hip that requires surgery, a fractured wrist that never heals right, a back injury that makes it hard to stand, or a traumatic brain injury that makes it difficult to perform tasks you’ve always done. These are some of the injuries many slip and fall accident victims suffer.
While your doctors work on your physical recovery, the Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys at the Rothenberg Law Firm can help you with your financial recovery. Medical bills are arriving. You may not be able to work. The pain is constant. And you're wondering whether the property owner who let this happen can actually be held responsible.
Our firm has spent over 50 years holding negligent property owners accountable for dangerous conditions that injure others. If someone else's carelessness caused your fall, we are ready to fight for your full and fair compensation.
Your rights matter, and we are here to fight for them
Can I Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident in Philadelphia?
Yes. If a property owner's negligence caused your fall and injuries, you may have a premises liability claim under Pennsylvania law. Property owners have a legal obligation to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they breach that duty and someone gets hurt, they can be held financially responsible of your injuries.
To win a slip and fall case in Philadelphia, our attorneys work to prove that the property owner knew about the dangerous condition (or should have known), failed to fix it or warn visitors, and that failure directly caused your injuries.
Why Do I Need a Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyer?
Our Philadelphia premises liability attorneys can often help you recover more by proving what the property owner did wrong, gathering evidence before it disappears, and showing how much your injuries have really cost you.
That can make a major difference in the value of your claim. According to extensive studies conducted by the Insurance Research Council, injured people who hire lawyers receive slip and fall settlements that are 3.5 times higher on average than those who handle claims on their own. That difference means that those who work with attorneys collect substantially more money than those who fight insurance companies alone, even after paying attorneys' fees.
Our experienced slip and fall attorneys communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. We aggressively counter lowball offers, challenge attempts to blame you for the accident, and prepare the case for court if the insurer refuses to settle fairly.
What You Need to Know About Sidewalk Accidents in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia’s municipal codes require property owners and tenants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks within six hours after snowfall ends.
- Pennsylvania's Hills and Ridges Doctrine limits liability unless snow or ice has accumulated in dangerous, uneven formations and the owner had time to clear it.
- You have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit under Pennsylvania's statute of limitations (42 Pa.C.S. § 5524).
- If you share some fault for your fall, you may still recover compensation as long as your share is 50% or less under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law.
- A lawyer can gather evidence, identify who is liable, and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Who Is Responsible for Icy Sidewalks in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, property owners, their agents, and tenants all share responsibility for keeping sidewalks clear of snow and ice. The city's sidewalk clearing ordinance places this duty squarely on private parties, not the city itself.
When someone fails to clear a dangerous sidewalk and you fall, that party may be liable for your injuries. But proving liability requires more than just showing you slipped. Pennsylvania has specific rules about what makes a property owner negligent.
What is Philadelphia’s Snow and Ice Removal Law? Understanding the Six-Hour Rule
Philadelphia Code § 10-720 spells out clear requirements for snow removal. Property owners, agents, and tenants must clear a path at least 36 inches wide on all sidewalks abutting their property within six hours after the snow stops falling.
If the sidewalk itself is less than three feet wide, the cleared path may be as narrow as 12 inches. The path must be thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Placing snow in the street is prohibited.
For multifamily dwellings like apartment buildings, the owner or their agent bears responsibility for compliance. Violations carry fines of $50 to $300, but the bigger concern for injured pedestrians is the civil liability that follows especially when determining what a slip and fall settlement is worth in Philadelphia after a serious injury.
Why Philadelphia Families Choose the Rothenberg Law Firm for Slip and Fall Cases
When you've been seriously injured in a fall, you need a team that will fight insurance companies that want to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all — a team that is prepared to take your case to court when insurance companies refuse to settle fairly.
Over 50 Years Serving Philadelphia
Our firm opened its doors in Philadelphia in 1969. We know this city, its courts, its neighborhoods, and its people. When you work with our slip and fall attorneys in Philadelphia, you get lawyers who understand the local legal landscape.
Billions Recovered for Injured Clients
Over five decades, our firm has recovered billions of dollars for clients injured by negligence. That track record gives us leverage when negotiating with insurance companies and credibility if your case goes to trial.
We Treat Clients Like Family
Roughly half of our attorneys share the same last name. The rest share the same values. When we take your case, we fight for you as one of our own. We answer your calls and your questions. We take the time to listen and understand what you’re going through, and we build a case that positions you for the outcome you need.
No Fee Unless We Win
Our slip and fall lawyers in Philadelphia work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your consultation is free.
Talk to a Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer today.
Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Philadelphia?
Dangerous conditions can exist on any property. Our Philadelphia premises liability attorneys handle slip and fall cases involving:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets with wet floors, spilled products, or cluttered aisles
- Retail stores with uneven flooring, poor lighting, or merchandise in walkways
- Restaurants and bars with slippery surfaces near kitchens and restrooms
- Apartment buildings with broken stairs, missing handrails, or poorly maintained common areas
- Office buildings with wet lobby floors or defective elevators and escalators
- Sidewalks and parking lots with cracked pavement, potholes, or ice and snow
Property owners in Philadelphia have a duty to maintain safe conditions. When they fail, and someone gets injured, our attorneys hold them accountable.
Injuries Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers See Most Often
A slip and fall can cause injuries that affect you for months, years, or the rest of your life. Common injuries our clients suffer include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from hitting your head on the floor or a hard surface
- Broken hips, which often require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation
- Fractured wrists, arms, and ankles from trying to break your fall
- Back and spinal cord injuries that may cause chronic pain or paralysis
- Knee injuries, including torn ligaments that require surgical repair
The severity of your injuries directly affects the value of your claim. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Slip and Fall in Philadelphia?
If a property owner's negligence caused your fall, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working
- Future lost income if your injuries affect your ability to earn a living long-term
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries prevent you from activities you once enjoyed
Insurance companies will try to minimize what they pay. Our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys fight for fair compensation that reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Pennsylvania Laws That Affect Your Slip and Fall Claim
There are some key Pennsylvania laws that shape and limit premises liability claims. If you file a slip and fall claim in Philadelphia, these are some of the rules that can affect your claim:
Statute of Limitations
Pennsylvania gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. After that window closes, you lose the right to seek compensation, which is why talking to a personal injury lawyer soon after your fall is so important.
Comparative Negligence
Under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102), you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for your fall, and your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are found more than 50% responsible, you cannot pursue compensation through the courts.
Property Owner's Duty of Care
Pennsylvania law requires property owners to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. The level of care depends on why you were on the property. Business customers (invitees) are owed the highest duty. Property owners must actively inspect for hazards and fix them promptly to prevent accidents like yours.
The Hills and Ridges Doctrine
For snow and ice cases in Pennsylvania, you typically must show that the ice or snow had accumulated into "hills and ridges," meaning the property owner had notice and a reasonable time to clear it. A light dusting of snow that just fell may not create liability, but icy conditions that persisted for hours or days likely will.
Already Received Medical Care? Here's What to Do Next
If you've already seen a doctor for your slip and fall injuries, there are additional steps you can take to protect your claim and strengthen your case:
- Hire a slip and fall lawyer. This is the most important step. A premises liability attorney knows how to preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and build a strong case. The sooner you have legal representation, the better.
- Keep all medical appointments. Following your treatment plan shows that your injuries are serious. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren't that bad.
- Document your recovery. Keep a written or video journal describing your pain levels, limitations, and how your injuries affect daily life. This evidence helps prove your damages.
- Save all records and receipts. Medical bills, pharmacy receipts, and records of missed work all support your claim for damages.
- Don't talk to the property owner's insurance company without legal counsel. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Let your attorney handle all communications.
Our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys can guide you through each of these steps and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
How Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Attorneys Build Your Case
Premises liability cases require careful investigation and strong evidence. When you hire our firm, here's what happens:
We start by gathering every piece of evidence that supports your claim. This includes surveillance video from the property, photographs of the hazard, incident reports, maintenance logs, and records of previous complaints. Property owners often try to destroy or hide this evidence, so time is critical.
Our attorneys interview witnesses who saw your fall or who can testify about the dangerous condition. We work with medical professionals who can explain how your injuries will affect your life. And we consult with safety professionals who can testify about whether the property owner met their legal obligations.
Then we handle all negotiations with the insurance company. Insurers know our track record. They know we prepare every case for trial and that we're willing to go the distance. That gives us leverage to fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact us for a free case review today.
FAQs: What Philadelphia Residents Ask About Slip and Fall Claims
How much does a slip and fall lawyer cost in Philadelphia?
Our Philadelphia slip and fall attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing up front and nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, which we discuss during your free consultation.
How long do slip and fall cases take in Pennsylvania?
Every case is different. Some settle within months. Others take a year or more, especially if liability is disputed or the case goes to trial. Our attorneys work efficiently while still building the strongest possible case for you.
What if I fell on government-owned property in Philadelphia?
Claims against government entities in Pennsylvania have different rules and shorter deadlines. You may need to file a notice of claim within six months. If you fell on city property, at a SEPTA station, or at any government-owned location, contact a lawyer immediately.
Do I have a case if I didn't report my fall to the property owner?
You may still have a case, but it becomes more difficult to prove. Our attorneys gather evidence from other sources, such as surveillance footage, witness statements, maintenance records, and prior complaints about the same hazard. Contact us even if you didn't file a report.
What if the property owner claims the hazard was obvious?
Insurance companies often argue that the injured person should have seen and avoided the hazard. Pennsylvania law recognizes that distractions, poor lighting, and other circumstances can make hazards difficult to notice. Our lawyers challenge these defenses and fight for your right to compensation.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove a Slip and Fall Claim?
Building a successful premises liability case requires documentation. The most helpful evidence includes:
- Photographs of the icy or wet sidewalk taken as soon as possible after the fall
- Weather records showing when snow stopped falling and temperatures that day
- Contact information for witnesses who saw the condition or the fall
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Incident reports filed with the business or property owner
Is the City of Philadelphia responsible for clearing public sidewalks?
No. The city clears streets and maintains city-owned facilities, but private property owners and tenants are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their buildings. The city does not clear residential or commercial sidewalks for private properties.
What if my landlord's lease says I'm responsible for snow removal?
Lease provisions can shift responsibility between landlord and tenant, but they do not eliminate the owner's potential liability to injured third parties. Even if your lease assigns you the duty to shovel, the property owner may still face claims from pedestrians injured on the sidewalk.
Can I sue if I fell on ice during an active snowstorm?
Falls during active storms are difficult to pursue because property owners receive some protection under the Hills and Ridges Doctrine. Courts recognize that clearing snow while it is still falling is impractical. However, if a pre-existing hazard contributed to your fall, a claim may still be possible.
How do I report a property that has not cleared its sidewalk?
You can report uncleared sidewalks to the Philadelphia Streets Department by calling 311 or submitting a complaint through the city's 311 online portal. Reporting does not establish liability, but it creates a record that the property owner was on notice of a problem.
Serving Slip and Fall Clients Throughout Greater Philadelphia
Our premises liability attorneys represent clients injured in slip and fall accidents throughout the Philadelphia region, including:
- Center City, Old City, and University City
- South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and West Philadelphia
- Northeast Philadelphia and the Greater Northeast
- Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, and Chester County
We handle cases in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and courts throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Whether your case is filed in state court or requires action before other tribunals, our attorneys know how to move your case forward. If you were injured in a fall anywhere in the region, contact us.
Ready to Talk About Your Slip and Fall Case?
After a serious fall, fast action can make a real difference. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to reach, and insurance companies may already be building their defense.
Contact the Rothenberg Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step with confidence. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.