Most people do not view simply walking down a sidewalk as a particularly dangerous activity, however, sidewalk accidents are more common than you may think, and they are seldom the fault of pedestrians. Please continue reading and speak with our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys to learn more about sidewalk accidents and how our firm can help if you’ve been hurt in one.
How do most sidewalk accidents happen?
Sidewalk accidents can occur for many different reasons, however, not dissimilar from other accidents, the majority of them are the result of negligence. Property owners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks safe, and when they fail to do so, pedestrians can sustain unwarranted injuries as a result. Some of the most common causes of sidewalk accidents include uneven pavement, debris on the sidewalk left uncleared, weather-related hazards such as snow or ice left unattended past the legal window of time, standing water, potholes, and more.
What should I do if I am hurt in a sidewalk accident?
If you are hurt in a sidewalk accident, you should do everything in your power to document the incident. To start, you should call the police to the scene and notify the property owner of the incident. You should also take pictures of the unsafe sidewalk conditions that caused your accident. Additionally, even if you do not feel immediately injured, you should seek medical treatment, as some injuries take a few days to set in. Finally, you should retain the services of a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who can fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Our firm is here to help.
How long will I have to seek compensation after being hurt in a sidewalk accident?
If you are injured in an accident in Pennsylvania, it is critical that you retain legal representation as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years, however, if you were injured on a sidewalk that is owned by the government or a municipality, you will have to file a Notice of Claim in a far shorter window of time. In fact, you will have to file your Notice of Claim within six months of the date of the accident, and if you fail to do so, you will most likely be permanently barred from taking legal action against the negligent party that caused your injuries. Give us a call today so we can get started on your claim.
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Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
