What is Pennsylvania premises liability law?

Premises liability law determines the responsibility of a property owner for injuries suffered by others while on their property.

When is a Pennsylvania property owner responsible for injuries incurred on their property?

A property owner is responsible for injuries on the property if the owner was negligent in any way. A Pennsylvania property owner is negligent if the property owner breached a duty of care owed to all people on their property.

What duty of care does a property owner have?

This will often depend on whether the person on the property was a business invitee, a guest or a trespasser. Typically a property owner's duty of care is the highest with a business invitee and lowest with a trespasser.

How will it be determined if I have a Pennsylvania premises liability case?

If the following can be proved, you may be able to file a lawsuit:

• The property owner was negligent
• There is causation, meaning that the property owner's specific acts of negligence caused the personal injury
• There are substantial damages

What damages are recoverable in a Pennsylvania premises liability case?

A plaintiff can recover all economic damages incurred resulting from the personal injury along with other non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Can a property owner be liable for criminal acts which occur on their property?

In many states a property owner can be liable for criminal acts committed on their property if they knew, or had reason to know, that a criminal act was likely.

I was attacked in the parking lot of a store. Can I file a claim against the store owners?

Possibly as store owners are usually responsible for having reasonable security on their property.

I have reported my injury to the store. Do I need to do anything else?

The most important thing you should do at the time of the occurrence is to get the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Then contact a qualified Pennsylvania premises liability lawyer to determine if you have a case.

If your or a loved one has suffered from a drowning injury or death, please fill out the form on your left for a free case review by a Pennsylvania premises liability attorney.