Published on behalf of It is a well known principle of fall down accident law in Pennsylvania that stores and businesses owe their customers a duty to take reasonable care of the property, inside and out. That duty includes the duty to make reasonable inspections of the property to locate and rectify/warn of hidden defects which could harm unwitting customers. This duty is the highest duty there is under fall down accident law.
The primary reason for this duty is that stores and business benefit from their customers. Stores and businesses exist to make a profit and that means they must get customers into their stores, restaurants, etc. Fall down accident law recognizes this and therefore, a store/business can be held liable for acts of negligence when it comes to customers and patrons.
Related: Pennsylvania Fall Down Accident Law – Property Owners’ Duties
The duty is not absolute. Stores/businesses are not required to ensure the safety of customers. Rather, the law requires that property owners simply act reasonably with respect to dangerous defects. Owners are required to take reasonable care of their properties. That includes the duty to inspect the premises for hidden dangers and either correct them or warn customers.
For example, let’s say a restaurant customer is walking in the front door and trips over a large mat at the entrance area. The mat was lying over the door threshold with its edges curled up under. The day before the accident, it had rained which is why the mat was down. However, the restaurant manager forgot to remove the mat on the day of the accident. The customer falls and breaks her hand. She needs surgery to have a small screw placed in her hand.
In this example, there is a strong argument that the restaurant failed to take reasonable care of its property. By failing to remove the mat, the restaurant created a hazard and should be held liable for the customer’s very serious injury.
What to Do After a Fall Down Accident in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been injured in a fall down accident, it is very important to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. It may be necessary to obtain an inspection of the property. For a free consultation, call 215.925.4451.
Suggested content:
- Store Liability for Negligence in Pennsylvania
- Why Stores and Businesses Owe a Duty of Care to Customers to Avoid Accidents and Mishaps
- Pennsylvania Slip & Fall Accidents – Store Liability, A Hypothetical Fall Accident
Pennsylvania Fall Accident Lawyers
Schwartz & Blackman has been representing the injured and their families for over thirty years in fall accident cases. Our firm offers a free consultation for all Pennsylvania and New Jersey injury and accident victims. Call now and ask for your free consultation. 215.925.4451
Schwartz & Blackman handles fall down accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.