Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyer
At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we understand the complexities of premises liability law and are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights. With decades of combined experience navigating these cases, our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers possess the expertise and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
- Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
From your initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our priority will be your well-being and securing the best possible outcome for your situation. We will provide personalized representation and strategic legal guidance every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward seeking justice and holding responsible parties accountable. Your journey to recovery starts here.
Quick Links
- Why Choose Our Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers?
- What Is a Premises Liability Accident?
- Types of Premises Liability Accidents
- Steps To Take in a Philadelphia Premises Liability Case
- Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
- Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Philadelphia
- What Damages Can I Recover for Premises Liability in Philadelphia?
- How Much Does a Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyer Cost?
- Our Philadelphia Office
Why Choose Our Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers?
Our personal injury attorneys at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are well-known for the high quality of their services. Among other professional organizations and publications, we have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Lawyers of Distinction.
Our firm also has a strong track record of securing high-value verdicts and settlements for our clients. Over the years, we have obtained more than $360 million for accident victims like you, including a $550,000 settlement for a premises liability client whose fingertip was severed by a beach chair.
We fight for people, not corporations, and every team member is committed to giving you the personalized attention you deserve. Our client testimonials speak for themselves, highlighting our professionalism, compassion, and dedication.
Our premises liability lawyers in Philadelphia are ready to answer your questions in your free consultation and handle your case from start to finish. When you work with us, you can rest assured that your case will receive the undivided attention it deserves.
What Is a Premises Liability Accident?
Premises liability addresses the level of care property owners must take to protect visitors from harm. According to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, “The duty of a possessor of land toward a third party entering the land depends upon whether the entrant is a trespasser, licensee, or invitee.” Carrender v. Fitterer, 503 Pa. 178 (Pa. 1983).
- Licensee – A licensee is typically someone who enters the property with the owner’s permission but for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of the property owner. This could include social guests or friends invited for non-business purposes. The property owner owes a duty to licensees to warn them of known dangers on the property but does not necessarily have a duty to inspect for hazards.
- Invitee – An invitee is a person who enters the property for the benefit of the property owner. This category includes customers in a store or business invitees. Property owners typically owe a higher duty of care to invitees, including the duty to inspect the property for hazards and to remedy or warn about any dangers that they should be aware of.
- Trespasser – A trespasser is someone who enters the property without permission from the owner. Property owners generally owe the least duty of care to trespassers. However, they still must avoid “willful or wanton negligence or misconduct” that could cause harm.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial in determining the legal obligations of property owners and the rights of visitors who suffer injuries on their premises. Our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers can evaluate the facts of your case and apply the relevant law.
Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability accidents encompass various incidents that occur on someone else’s property, resulting in injury or harm to individuals. These accidents can occur in various settings, including residential, commercial, or public spaces. Understanding these incidents and their potential causes is essential for maintaining safety standards and seeking legal compensation.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents occur when a person loses their footing due to a slippery or uneven surface. Factors contributing to slip and fall accidents include wet floors, spills, loose rugs, ice or snow accumulation, inadequate lighting, and uneven surfaces. Slip and fall accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe fractures or head trauma, depending on the circumstances and the individual’s health. They are a common basis for premises liability claims.
Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Elevator accidents can occur due to mechanical failure, such as faulty cables or malfunctioning brakes, or human error, like improper maintenance or exceeding weight limits. Escalator accidents often result from clothing or body parts getting trapped, mechanical issues, or slips and falls due to wet or uneven surfaces.
Dog Bites
In general, dog owners are responsible for ensuring their animals do not harm others. Under Pennsylvania’s dog bite law, “Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner or keeper of the dog.” Owners may also take on liability for harboring a “dangerous dog” (i.e., a dog with a propensity or history of attacking), failing to comply with animal control laws, or negligence.
Report all dog bites immediately to your local animal control office. You can also file a Pennsylvania Dog Law Complaint Form. Seek medical attention even if you don’t think it is serious, as dog bites can quickly become infected. You may also need a rabies shot.
Burn Accidents
Burns can happen when property owners fail to keep their buildings up to code. Faulty wiring, lack of warning systems, and lack of clearly marked exits can cause burn injuries. Premises liability burn injury claims are often the result of safety violations in apartment buildings, hotels, and construction sites.
Steps To Take in a Philadelphia Premises Liability Case
Handling the aftermath of any accident leading to personal injury can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries. However, taking proactive steps to protect your health and right to compensation is crucial. Here are the steps to take in a premises liability case:
- Seek Medical Attention – Obtain medical treatment for any injuries sustained on the premises. Your health and well-being are the top priority.
- Document the Scene – Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions that contributed to your injury and nearby surveillance devices. Also, collect contact information from witnesses if possible.
- Report the Incident – Notify the property owner, landlord, or manager about the accident and your injuries. Request that they create an incident report.
- Preserve Evidence – Keep any clothing or items damaged during the incident as evidence. Also, retain medical records, bills, and any correspondence related to your injury.
- Consult with an Attorney – Seek legal advice from a qualified premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. They can evaluate your case, advise you on your rights, start collecting evidence before it disappears, and guide you through the legal process.
- Follow-up Care – Continue to follow medical advice and treatment recommendations for your injuries. Keep your attorney updated on your progress.
Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to work closely with a premises liability lawyer who can tailor their case strategy to your specific circumstances and advocate for your best interests. Partner with an accomplished Philadelphia premises liability attorney at Meirowitz & Wasserberg. We will build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Premises Liability Case in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally two years from the date of the injury. This means that individuals have two years from the date of their injury to file a premises liability lawsuit seeking compensation for their injuries.
However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney to understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific case, as there may be exceptions that could impact the deadline. For example, the clock doesn’t start running for minors until their 18th birthday. It is also paused if the defendant leaves the state or fraudulently conceals their liability.
Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
Multiple parties might hold responsibility for ensuring that a property is free of foreseeable hazards or warning people of their presence. People who may be liable include:
- Property owners
- Landlords or tenants
- Property managers
- Business owners
- Contractors or maintenance companies
- Government entities
- Homeowners associations
- Employers (if the accident occurs in a workplace)
Our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers can identify all potential at-fault parties to maximize your compensation. Defendants may possess evidence important to proving liability, such as complaint histories and security videos. Meirowitz & Wasserberg can ask the presiding judge in your case to order property owners to turn over missing evidence.
Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Philadelphia
Founded by Samuel Meirowitz and Daniel Wasserberg, our full-service personal injury law firm has what it takes to handle your case. Our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers have decades of combined experience helping injury victims secure full and fair compensation. Members of our legal team licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania include:
What Damages Can I Recover for Premises Liability in Philadelphia?
You can ask for compensation in a premises liability claim for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages account for tangible losses that easily reduce to a monetary value. Non-economic damages account for the more subject impact of your injuries and losses. Together, these compensatory damages may cover things like:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- The cost of modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death claims)
You may also be eligible for punitive damages. These damages are rarer than the compensatory damages listed above, but they can significantly raise the value of your case when available. Punitive damages are awarded by courts to punish and deter defendants when they engage in egregiously irresponsible or otherwise reprehensible behavior.
How Much Does a Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyer Cost?
Your initial consultation with Meirowitz & Wasserberg is completely free. If you decide to partner with our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers, we will take your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation on your behalf.
Our Philadelphia Office
If you need help with a Philadelphia premises liability case, call us at (267) 507-9051 or fill out our online contact form. If you wish to visit, we would love for you to stop by. Our Philadelphia law office is conveniently located in the heart of town at:
1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1720
Philadelphia, PA 19103
You can reach our office via I-95, I-676 West, and I-76 East. If you are coming by public transportation, we are only a few minutes away from the:
For more detailed help with planning the best route to our office, the SEPTA online Trip Planner can assist you with figuring out which lines to take to reach us.
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Get Your Free Case ReviewPersonal Injury Settlements:
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$235,000
Slip and fall injury
$675,000
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$555,000
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Practice Areas
- Philadelphia Personal Injury
- Philadelphia Car Accidents
- Philadelphia Truck Accidents
- Philadelphia Motorcycle Accidents
- Philadelphia Pedestrian Accidents
- Philadelphia Bicycle Accidents
- Philadelphia Slip and Falls
- Philadelphia Brain Injuries
- Philadelphia Spinal Cord Injuries
- Philadelphia Wrongful Death
- Philadelphia Birth Injury
Our Office
Our Philadelphia, PA Office
- 1880 John F. Kennedy Blvd.Suite 1720Philadelphia, PA 19103
- (267) 507-9051
Nancy, New York (NY)
