Slip & Fall

Slip-and-Fall Lawyers in Philadelphia

Slip and fall accidents can happen when you least expect them—at a grocery store, on a poorly maintained sidewalk, or in a dimly lit stairwell. While some falls may only leave behind bruises, others result in serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. These incidents often leave injured parties facing significant medical expenses, emotional distress, and time away from work. If your fall was caused by a property owner’s negligence, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim.

Our Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers understand how a simple fall can dramatically impact your life. We treat every fall accident victim with the respect and urgency they deserve. With decades of experience handling personal injury cases, we hold property owners accountable under premises liability law and fight to recover compensation for the medical bills, lost wages, and pain you have endured. Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything unless we win your case. Contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys today at 215-398-7066 to book a free consultation.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Philadelphia?

After a slip and fall accident, your actions can greatly affect the outcome of your fall injury claim. First and foremost, seek medical attention immediately—even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or a concussion, may not present symptoms right away. A prompt medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries and supports your personal injury claim.

If the accident occurred on someone else’s property, report it to the property owner or manager. Ask for a copy of the incident report. If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall and gather contact information from any witnesses. These early steps can help your fall attorney build a strong case on your behalf.

Finally, consult an experienced personal injury attorney. At Abramson & Denenberg, we offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your legal rights. Our experienced attorneys guide you through the legal process so you can focus on healing.

Common Causes of Slip and Falls

Slip and fall accidents are almost always preventable. When a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment, visitors can suffer serious injuries. These are the most common hazards that lead to falls in Philadelphia homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Wet or Slippery Surfaces

One of the most common reasons people fall is due to slick or wet floors. This includes freshly mopped surfaces, spilled liquids in grocery store aisles, rainwater tracked into building entrances, or snow and ice that hasn’t been properly cleared. Business owners and property managers are responsible for drying these surfaces or placing visible warning signs in hazardous areas. When they fail to do so, they put everyone at risk.

Uneven Pavement and Flooring

Cracked sidewalks, potholes in parking lots, raised concrete slabs, torn carpeting, and loose tiles all pose significant tripping hazards. These conditions may exist for weeks or months, yet property owners often fail to repair them in a timely manner. Whether you’re walking through a parking lot or inside a retail store, these types of uneven surfaces can cause sudden falls and severe injuries.

Inadequate Lighting

Proper lighting is essential to safely navigate any property. Dim or non-functioning lights in stairwells, hallways, and entryways can prevent people from seeing obstacles or changes in elevation. When areas are poorly lit, it becomes easy to miss a step, trip on debris, or fail to notice uneven flooring. If a fall occurs due to a lack of lighting, the property owner may be held liable.

Missing or Damaged Handrails

Handrails are critical safety features—especially on staircases and ramps. A missing, broken, or loose handrail can prevent someone from catching themselves if they stumble. Falls on stairs tend to be more dangerous than flat-surface falls, often leading to head or back injuries. In multi-story buildings, landlords and property owners must comply with building codes that require safe, stable handrails.

Cluttered Walkways and Obstructions

Businesses and apartment complexes must keep walkways clear. Boxes, wires, merchandise displays, and cleaning equipment left in high-traffic areas are dangerous tripping hazards. Whether in a grocery store aisle or a shared apartment hallway, these obstructions can catch someone off guard and lead to a painful fall. Property owners who neglect regular housekeeping put visitors at risk of injury.

Common Slip and Fall Injuries

Many people underestimate the harm a fall can cause—until it happens to them. While some victims walk away with minor bruises, others suffer life-altering injuries that require long-term care and disrupt their ability to work or enjoy everyday life. Below are some of the most common—and serious—injuries we see in slip and fall cases.

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures are among the most common and serious injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents. A sudden loss of balance often causes the body to hit the ground with force, placing intense stress on bones and joints. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fractures due to age-related bone density loss, but people of all ages can suffer painful and debilitating breaks in a fall.

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are especially dangerous and frequently occur when someone lands directly on their side or back. These injuries almost always require surgery, and in many cases, the victim may need a partial or full hip replacement. Recovery is long and difficult, often involving months of physical therapy, time in a rehabilitation facility, and a temporary or permanent need for mobility aids. In older adults, a hip fracture can lead to serious complications, including blood clots, infection, and even a loss of independence.

Wrist and Arm Fractures

When people fall, their natural reflex is to extend their arms to break the impact. While this instinct can help prevent head or torso injuries, it often results in wrist, forearm, or elbow fractures. These types of injuries are especially common on hard surfaces like concrete, tile, or hardwood. Depending on the severity, treatment may include a cast, pins, or even surgical plates. Recovery time varies, but stiffness, limited range of motion, and pain can persist long after the bone has technically healed.

Ankle and Leg Fractures

Falls that involve uneven pavement, stairs, or sudden twisting motions can cause the lower limbs to absorb an awkward amount of force. Ankle, shin (tibia), and thigh (femur) fractures are particularly painful and may require surgery with rods or screws to stabilize the bone. These injuries often limit a person’s ability to walk or bear weight, making daily activities difficult and leading to a significant loss of independence during recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

When someone hits their head during a fall, the results can be devastating. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma that affects memory, speech, coordination, and cognitive function. Symptoms may appear hours or days after the fall, making it critical to seek medical attention even if you feel fine at first. TBIs often require neurologists, cognitive therapy, and long-term care plans.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The spine is particularly vulnerable during a fall. Herniated discs, vertebrae fractures, or nerve impingement can result from a hard impact. In the most severe cases, spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Even when paralysis doesn’t occur, back injuries often result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and the need for surgical intervention or pain management therapy.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Not all injuries are immediately visible. Slip and fall victims often suffer from:

  • Sprained ankles or wrists
  • Torn ligaments in the knees or shoulders
  • Muscle strains

These soft tissue injuries can cause long-lasting pain and require physical therapy. If left untreated, they may worsen over time and impact your ability to perform routine tasks or enjoy an active lifestyle.

Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations

While sometimes considered “minor,” deep cuts and abrasions can be serious—especially if they occur on the face, hands, or knees. Some lacerations require stitches or surgery and carry a risk of infection or permanent scarring. Bruises and contusions may also indicate deeper tissue damage that needs medical evaluation.

Settlement vs. Trial: What’s Right for Me?

After a slip and fall accident, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to accept a settlement or pursue a trial. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each case is different. The choice depends on the strength of the evidence, the insurance company’s offer, and your personal circumstances.

The Benefits of Settling

Most slip and fall cases settle out of court. A settlement means you’ll receive compensation sooner without the stress or delay of a trial. Benefits of settling include:

  • Faster resolution so that you can cover medical bills and lost income quickly
  • Less uncertainty since you know exactly how much you’ll receive
  • Privacy, as trials become public record while settlements typically remain confidential

However, insurance companies often make lowball offers that don’t reflect the full extent of your damages. An experienced attorney can negotiate to ensure you receive a fair amount before considering trial.

When a Trial Might Be Necessary

If the property owner refuses to take responsibility or if the insurance company denies your claim, a trial may be the best path forward. Going to trial gives you a chance to:

  • Tell your story in court
  • Present compelling evidence of negligence
  • Seek maximum compensation for both economic and non-economic damages

Trials carry more risk, but they also offer the possibility of a larger award—especially if your injuries are severe or your life has been significantly impacted.

How We Help You Choose the Best Path

At Abramson & Denenberg, we don’t push you toward trial or settlement—we focus on what’s best for you. We’ll walk you through:

  • The strengths and weaknesses of your case
  • The compensation range you can expect from a settlement
  • What trial preparation and courtroom proceedings would involve
  • Whether the insurance company’s offer is truly fair

We negotiate aggressively to secure strong settlements but are fully prepared to go to court when necessary. Our goal is simple: to help you recover the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life.

Why Choose Our Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyers for Your Case?

Slip and fall cases can be difficult to prove, especially when insurance companies work hard to downplay the seriousness of your injuries. That’s why having an experienced slip and fall attorney by your side matters. At Abramson & Denenberg, we have decades of experience handling fall claims across Philadelphia. Our legal team knows how to investigate accidents, identify negligent property owners, and hold them accountable under personal injury law.

We treat our clients with compassion and take each case seriously. Whether you suffered a back injury, broken bones, or a traumatic brain injury, we fight for the compensation you deserve. As a respected personal injury law firm, we are committed to helping fall accident victims recover financially and emotionally.

From initial consultation through settlement or trial, we’re with you every step of the way. When you need a trusted Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer, turn to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Abramson & Denenberg

How Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Philadelphia and How We Can Help

Slip and fall accidents are usually preventable. They often occur due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, broken steps, poor lighting, uneven pavement, or missing handrails. Under premises liability law, property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. When they fail in that duty, they can be held liable.

At Abramson & Denenberg, we investigate the cause of your fall accident thoroughly. Our legal team gathers evidence, such as photos of the hazard, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimony. We understand how important it is to act quickly before the scene is altered or repaired. Our injury lawyers use this information to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Whether your fall occurred at a private residence, business, or public space, our experienced slip and fall attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Let us help you build a strong slip and fall case and pursue fair compensation for the injuries sustained.

Maximizing Your Compensation for a Slip and Fall Injury

A serious fall injury can leave you with more than just pain—it can bring financial hardship, emotional suffering, and long-term medical treatment. At Abramson & Denenberg, we understand the burden that comes with a slip and fall injury. That’s why we fight to recover compensation for every aspect of your loss.

We pursue compensation for the following:

  • Medical Expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future care.
  • Lost Wages: Income lost due to time off work and loss of future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to return.
  • Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Out-of-Pocket Costs: Transportation, home modifications, and anything related to your recovery.

Many fall accident victims are entitled to more than they realize. Let our experienced personal injury lawyers evaluate your fall lawsuit and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you or someone you love has been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t face the legal system alone. These cases can be complex, and insurance companies often try to deny or undervalue legitimate claims. At Abramson & Denenberg, we are committed to providing strong legal representation to fall injury victims throughout Philadelphia.

Our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and holding negligent property owners accountable. We operate with compassion, experience, and a deep respect for what you’re going through. We handle most personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Philadelphia slip and fall lawyers today. Let us help you recover compensation and rebuild your life after a fall accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents