Staircases are used every day. Usually without the consideration of being involved in an accident in doing so. While this is true, accidents can happen abruptly. When they do, they often cause serious accidents that lead to significant physical, financial, and emotional burdens. In the event that it was caused by negligence, victims often wish to pursue legal action to seek justice for their suffering. When facing these situations, it is important to retain the services of an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney for guidance.
Causes of Staircase Accidents
In many cases, accidents that happen in a staircase are the result of a person’s own lack of caution. However, there are also many accidents that occur due to the negligence of property owners. This is often the case if the property owner fails to properly care for the staircase, causing threats to arise. This can include but is not limited to the following:
- Insufficient lighting
- Broken handrails
- Damaged steps
Recovering Financial Compensation After a Staircase Accident
People who are injured in a staircase accident due to negligence often want to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions. This can be done through a personal injury lawsuit in which the injured party is required to prove negligence. This can be done with evidence that shows the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard that directly caused the injuries and failed to fix it. Evidence that can be beneficial in court can include pictures or videos of the hazard, the police report of the incident, medical documentation of the injuries, and any witness statements.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
When an injured party wants to pursue legal action against a negligent property owner, it is important to understand that there is a limited amount of time to do so. This is due to the statute of limitations. Simply put, a statute of limitations is a deadline that the injured party is required to meet in order to file a personal injury claim. If they do not meet the deadline, the individual may lose their chance to pursue legal action and recover financial compensation as a result. In the state of Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the injury.
Contact our Firm
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.