Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer (2023)

Home / Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer (1)

Have you been hurt after falling on someone else’s property in Carlisle, PA? If so, you might be entitled to compensation for the financial and emotional impact of the accident.

Pennsylvania property owners have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors and guests. When they negligently maintain a property or fail to address unsafe conditions, they can be held responsible for resulting accidents.

can help you recover compensation by pursuing a legal case. Our Carlisle slip and fall accident lawyers have been representing injured people since 2008. We help our clients get access to the resources they need to move forward after an accident.

If you want to learn more about your legal rights, contact our law office at (717) 995-8732 to set up a free consultation. We’ll explain your legal options and see how we can help after a slip and fall in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

How Our Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Attorneys Can Help You After Falling on Someone Else’s Property

Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer (2)

You might be confused about how to get recourse when you get hurt on someone else’s property. Do you file an insurance claim? Do you bring it up directly with the property owner? Depending on whether you were hurt at a business or residential property, the process may be anything but straightforward.

Our Carlisle slip and fall accident lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates can explain and guide you through the legal process. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.

Our team includes lawyers recognized as Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers of America, and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

When you hire us to pursue your slip-and-fall case, we will:

  • Determine who owns, manages, and is responsible for maintaining the property
  • Investigate the cause of the fall
  • Collect evidence to support your legal claim
  • Consult leading expert witnesses
  • Calculate your damages
  • Request and review your medical records
  • Negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel

If we can’t negotiate for a fair outcome, our lawyers will file a lawsuit and go to trial. We aren’t afraid to stand up and argue for you in court. If you want to hear more about our strategy, call us to talk with a Carlisle slip and fall lawyer today.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Carlisle?

Slips and falls can happen anywhere, anytime. It’s normal to see these accidents in Carlisle, PA occur on both private and public property.

Some of the most common places where slip and fall accidents happen include:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants
  • Nursing homes
  • Private homes
  • Hospitals and doctor’s offices
  • Parking garages and parking lots
  • Public parks
  • Schools
  • Retail stores and shopping malls

As long as you were lawfully present on someone’s property, you can pursue a personal injury case. “Lawfully present” means that you were on private property with permission or in public and not trespassing. We can help you figure out who owns the property and whether or not you should start with an insurance claim or go straight to a lawsuit.

What Is the Value of My Carlisle Slip and Fall Injury Case?

The value of your slip and fall case is subjective. It is dependent on how you have been affected by the fall and your injuries.

In general, people who have serious injuries will recover more money. That’s because their recovery is usually longer and more complicated, and the injury is likely to have a greater impact on their life. For example, it may keep someone from working for a period or render them permanently disabled.

Furthermore, people who are emotionally traumatized by the slip and fall may also recover more compensation. You are entitled to payment for the psychological impact of an accident and the injury. If you have severe mental anguish or loss of quality of life, this will impact your damages.

Your lawyer will ask you about the overall impact of the injury on your day-to-day life in addition to the medical side of things. The greater the impact, the greater your expected damages. It’s best to speak with a lawyer before assuming the value of your case.

Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall Accident in Carlisle, PA?

Who is responsible for your slip and fall will depend on where you got hurt and how it happened. Slips and falls are a type of premises liability case.

Under premises liability law, an owner or manager of a property has a responsibility to maintain the safety of the property. This is to ensure that lawful visitors don’t get hurt because of something dangerous on the premises.

Owners can maintain their property by inspecting for hazards, repairing known defects, and warning visitors of potential danger. Premises liability typically only applies to lawful visitors, like invitees and licensees. That means that trespassers, or uninvited guests, can generally not seek compensation.

In our experience, some of the most common parties responsible for a slip and fall include:

  • Property owners
  • Landlords
  • Businesses or renters
  • Government agencies
  • Property management companies

Our team will investigate your accident and pursue compensation from everyone who is responsible. This might be one party or multiple in a slip-and-fall case. It can be harder than you may think to find out who is liable, and having a lawyer to help is an invaluable tool.

Slip and Fall Accidents Can Result in a Variety of Injuries

Slips and falls can result in minor or major injuries. Sometimes the injuries are catastrophic and have a permanent impact on your life. You may immediately feel the pain of your injury, or it could take time to fully develop.

Our Carlisle personal injury lawyers have experience helping our clients get compensation for:

  • Head injuries
  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
  • Sprains and fractures

It’s normal for people to have multiple injuries or injuries that worsen over time. You should immediately seek medical treatment after a fall so that you can document your injuries and get treatment to keep them from getting worse.

Our team will review your medical records and consult your doctor, if necessary, to fully understand the extent of your injuries. We need to be clear about the impact so that we can accurately calculate your damages and fight on your behalf.

What Types of Compensation Can I Ask For After a Slip and Fall Accident in Carlisle, Pennsylvania?

In Carlisle, PA, you may be entitled to three different types of damages: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.

Economic and non-economic damages are compensatory, meaning the purpose is to compensate you for a financial or emotional loss. Punitive damages are meant to punish a defendant for bad behavior.

Our slip and fall accident lawyers in Carlisle can seek compensatory damages for:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Cost of pharmaceuticals
  • Lost wages and future earning capacity
  • In-home care
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Mental anguish
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of quality of life
  • Disfigurement, scarring, and permanent disability

While you can always ask for compensatory damages, you can only get punitive damages in certain cases. This includes if the defendant acted maliciously, willfully, recklessly, or with an evil motive. The bar for punitive damages is high, so they aren’t awarded as frequently. A lawyer can help you figure out if your case might be eligible for punitive damages.

How Long Do I Have To File a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit in Pennsylvania?

In Carlisle, PA, you typically have two years from the date of the fall to file a personal injury lawsuit.

It is important to remember that before filing a lawsuit, you will usually pursue an insurance claim and see if you can resolve your case in that manner. You should allow adequate time to go through the insurance process, collect evidence, and consult your lawyer.

The best way to avoid missing the deadline is to hire a Carlisle slip and fall lawyer immediately after your accident. They can help you manage dates and organize your case so that you don’t lose the chance to get legal help.

Call Us To Set Up a Free Consultation With a Carlisle Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer

It’s not fair that you were hurt because someone else failed to take care of their property. They should have ensured it was safe for guests and visitors like you. You deserve to get compensated for your losses and also hold the negligent party (or parties) responsible.

If you’re ready to hear more about your legal options, call Marzzacco Niven & Associates to set up a free consultation with a Carlisle slip and fall accident attorney. You don’t need to worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay us anything unless we win your case.

There are no strings attached and no obligations during your free case evaluation. Instead, it’s an opportunity for you to learn about your options and see if our services are a good fit for your case.

FAQs

What is the highest settlement for a slip and fall? ›

The largest settlement ever awarded in a slip and fall lawsuit was over 20 million dollars. This amount was awarded to the plaintiff, an elderly woman who suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet tile floor in a hotel lobby.

Can you claim compensation for falling? ›

Your employer has an important duty of care. If they've failed in theirs and you've been hurt in a slip, trip or fall, you're entitled to make a slip and trip claims for compensation.

What is considered an elevated fall? ›

Same-level falls occur when the individual falls onto a surface that is on a level plane with the point at which the fall began. Elevated falls, on the other hand, are where a person falls further onto ground that is lower down.

Is slipping considered falling? ›

When someone falls as a result of a slip, it's usually caused by a wet surface or something slippery on the ground. This type of fall is the direct result of a loss of footing or a loss of contact with the ground. Usually, when someone slips and falls, they tend to fall backward instead of forward.

What three parts of the body are normally injured as a result of a slip trip or fall? ›

Injuries caused by slips, trips and falls

The most common injuries from these types of accidents, unsurprisingly, are fractures and dislocated joints. These are most commonly to the ankle or wrist, but fractures to fingers are also common. Shoulder dislocation and knee injury can also commonly occur.

How much do slip trip fall injuries cost? ›

The average cost of a slip and fall is $30,000 to $40,000

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average hospital cost of a slip and fall is more than $30,000. Another source says that snow-related slip and fall accidents cost between $33,000 and $48,000 on average.

How much money does target settle for slip and fall accidents? ›

The slip and fall $2.1 million award is comprised of two parts – $1.4 million for the past noneconomic damages and $700,000 for any future noneconomic damages. “The jury also clearly came to understand the extent of harm that Melissa had sustained,” Lupetin continued.

How long does it take for compensation to be paid? ›

After accepting an offer of settlement for a personal injury claim you will usually receive your compensation money within 14-28 days from the date of settlement.

How long after an injury can you claim? ›

Time limits

The most common claim in a personal injury case is negligence and the time limit for this is 3 years. This means that court proceedings must be issued within 3 years of you first being aware that you have suffered an injury.

What are the injuries caused by slips trips and falls? ›

More serious slips or trips together with the resulting falls may result in: • sprains or strains • broken bones when trying to break the fall • a back injury due to the sudden and forceful impact during a fall • burns if it occurs near hot surfaces or if the person is handling hot fluids • cuts if it occurs near sharp ...

What are the 3 types of falls? ›

Falls can be classified into three types:
  • Physiological (anticipated). Most in-hospital falls belong to this category. ...
  • Physiological (unanticipated). ...
  • Accidental.

At what height does a fall hurt? ›

Heights over 30 feet also account for a large percentage of fall fatalities and have a greater probability of resulting in serious injuries involving the spleen, liver, and lungs, along with blunt chest trauma and rib fractures.

How do I know if my fall was serious? ›

Most bumps and bruises do not require medical attention. However, if pain from a fall persists beyond a few hours or you are unable to bear weight or move an upper extremity without pain, be sure to get evaluated by a physician.

What are the two types of falling? ›

Falls are of two basic types: elevated falls and same-level falls. Same-level falls are most frequent, but elevated falls are more severe. Same-level falls are generally slips or trips. Injury results when the individual hits a walking or working surface or strikes some other object during the fall.

What is the 4 to 1 rule for slips and falls? ›

Follow the 1-to-4 rule. The base of the ladder needs to be placed 1 foot from its support for every 4 feet of ladder. Make lifestyle decisions that include getting adequate rest, staying focused on your task and keeping stress under control. To stay safe on the job and at home, make safety part of your daily routine.

Is slip and fall serious? ›

Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious injuries that leave victims unable to work, cover their medical expenses, or support their families.

What are signs to watch for after a fall? ›

10 Symptoms to Look for After a Fall
  • You have ongoing pain. ...
  • You experience sudden, sharp pain. ...
  • You have signs of a head injury. ...
  • You have new back pain. ...
  • You suffer any severe laceration. ...
  • You suffer from stomach pain after your accident. ...
  • Your accident led to substantial bruising. ...
  • You have any limitations in movement.
Jan 4, 2022

Why does my whole body hurt after a fall? ›

Once your nerves become irritated they begin to swell and the body does what it can in order to protect the damaged areas. Inflammation and swelling build up and can irritate the nerves that are around your muscles. Remember, you can experience everything from a head injury to leg pain after an accident.

What happens to your body after a fall? ›

Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures. Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners).

What is the most common cause slip trip fall? ›

Spills, ice, snow, rain, loose mats, rugs, and stepladders are some of the common causes of slips, trips, and falls.

What is the difference between slip and fall and trip and fall accidents? ›

A slip and fall are when someone slips on a wet floor or in a parking lot. A trip and fall case occurs when someone actually trips over an object. This type of fall is very common in department stores because there are items on shelves, in the aisles, and on fixtures in the middle of the floor.

How many workers are seriously injured from slips trips and falls? ›

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 1,000 workers die each year as a result of a slip, trip or fall and countless other mild or serious injuries resulting in days away from work.

How much are most personal injury settlements? ›

An average personal injury settlement amount is anywhere between $3,000 and $75,000. Be careful when using an average personal injury settlement calculator to give you an idea of what you may stand to collect. These numbers really depend on your individual case and are hard to predict without a professional.

How much is a personal injury settlement worth? ›

The settlement value of a variable payout contract is the amount of contract value remaining, based on whether it was bought or sold. The difference between the price at which the contract was bought or sold, and the settlement value, determines the profit or loss (excluding any applicable exchange fees).

How much is a target settlement? ›

The benefits of the settlement include $5 million in cash and debt reduction benefits worth $3.2 million. Of the settlement, lawyers will receive around 30 percent of the total in fees, and additional compensation for legal costs.

How long does it take for an insurance company to make an offer? ›

Typically, it can take anywhere from one to two weeks for the insurance company to respond to your demand letter. Then it can take anywhere from weeks to months until you reach a settlement that you will accept. Some people accept the first or second offer, while others may accept the third or fourth counteroffer.

Can the IRS take your settlement? ›

In some cases, the IRS can take a part of personal injury settlements if you have back taxes. Perhaps the IRS has a lien on your property already, and if so, you could find yourself losing part of your settlement in lieu of unpaid taxes. This can happen when you deposit settlement funds into your personal bank account.

How do you calculate compensation payments? ›

This can be found by taking a total annual salary and dividing it by the number of pay periods for a gross base salary figure. For example, if you have an employee that receives and annual salary of $50,000 and you pay them biweekly, you divide the $50,000 by 26 pay periods to get $1,923.08 as the base salary.

What are the stages of an injury claim? ›

The personal injury claims process
  • Work out who was responsible.
  • Gather evidence.
  • Assess your injuries.
  • Arrange medical care or rehabilitation.
  • Review recovery.
  • Work out your compensation amount.
  • Reach a settlement.
  • Compensation payment.

Can you claim for old injuries? ›

If an accident happens that isn't your fault and exacerbates an injury you already have, then you could still claim. However, you may not be claiming for a new injury, rather you'd be claiming for the extra pain and suffering you'd suffered or would suffer due to the accident.

What is neck whiplash? ›

What is whiplash? Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion (bending).

What usually results from slips and trips? ›

Lost wages & out-of-pocket expenses. Pain. Temporary or permanent disability. Reduced quality of life.

What are 4 common causes of slips trips and falls? ›

Many factors can cause slips, trips and falls. These include: methods of cleaning, flooring type, footwear, levels of lighting, contrast between floors, walls and doors, and obstructions or other trip hazards.

What are 2 common causes of falls? ›

weak muscles. health conditions – like stroke and Parkinson's disease. the side effects of some medications.

What are the 2 main risk factors involved in falls? ›

Common risk factors for falls

limitations in mobility and undertaking the activities of daily living. impaired walking patterns (gait) impaired balance.

What counts as a fall? ›

A patient fall is defined as an unplanned descent to the floor with or without injury to the patient. ii. A fall may result in fractures, lacerations, or internal bleeding, leading to increased health care utilization.

How many floors can you survive a fall? ›

Suicide method

Almost all falls from beyond about 10 stories are fatal, although people have survived much higher falls than this, even onto hard surfaces. For example, one suicidal jumper has survived a fall from the 39th story of a building, as has a non-suicidal person who accidentally fell from the 47th floor.

At what height would you break your legs? ›

So, if you don't bend your knees (take ∆h = 1 cm), you will break your legs jumping from only 1.7 m. If you bend your knees 0.5 m, your leg bones may survive a leap from 87 m!

How far do you fall in 1 second? ›

The first equation shows that, after one second, an object will have fallen a distance of 1/2 × 9.8 × 12 = 4.9 m. After two seconds it will have fallen 1/2 × 9.8 × 22 = 19.6 m; and so on. The next-to-last equation becomes grossly inaccurate at great distances.

What are red flag symptoms after a fall? ›

A headache that gets worse and does not go away. Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination. Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching). Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.

How long should I rest after a fall? ›

However, the avoidance of activity should only last for several days. In the first one to three days, you should use ice, compression, and rest to ease the inflammation, but then after that time period, it is time to get to work.

What is the best pain relief after a fall? ›

RICE. It stands for rest, ice, compress, and elevate, and it's the go-to treatment for minor sprains and bruising. Ice the injury as soon as possible and put pressure on it with an elastic wrap or bandage. If you've hurt an arm or leg, rest with it raised above your heart to keep swelling down.

What are the 4 categories of falls? ›

There are actually four types of falls to be aware of, according to Occupational Health & Safety. The four types of falls go into categories based on what caused the fall. They include step, slip, trip and stump.

Why do older adults fall? ›

What causes falls in older adults? Many things can cause a fall. Your eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when you were younger. Certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can affect your balance and lead to a fall.

What is the difference between fall and slip? ›

A “slip” is typically caused by a wet or slippery surface or spilled items. A “trip” is caused by an obstacle of some kind causing you to stumble. And a “fall” often happens as a result of either a slip or a trip.

What percent do slips trips and falls make up for? ›

More than 25% of all injuries sustained across all industries are caused by slips, trips, and falls. Of these slips, trips, and falls, 16% of all workplace accidents involved falls on the ground level. Unfortunately, more than 5% of workplace accidents resulted from a fall between two or more stories.

How do you calculate risk of slipping? ›

The walker's slipping risk can be estimated by comparing the surface Coefficient of Friction (COF) to their friction requirement; the Required Coefficient of Friction (RCOF) calculated as the ratio of the vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces (GRF).

What are 3 fall protection rules? ›

OSHA requires that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in general industry workplaces, five feet in shipyards, six feet in the construction industry and eight feet in longshoring operations.

How long after a fall can pain start? ›

It can take a few minutes to feel pain from injuries. If someone else falls it's important to reassure them, and assess the situation together, before you act. Find out more about what to do when someone falls in this leaflet (PDF, 1 MB).

How long does it take to heal after a slip and fall? ›

If you have fallen and are in recovery from a slip and fall accident, it is sometimes a long process of recovery back to healing. Depending upon the injury involved (see here for more details on common latent injuries), recovery can take you from two or three weeks to several months.

Can you get PTSD from a slip and fall? ›

The injuries that you can get from falling also include significant mental injuries like post-traumatic stress and anxiety.

How long after a fall should you see a doctor? ›

Most bumps and bruises do not require medical attention. However, if pain from a fall persists beyond a few hours or you are unable to bear weight or move an upper extremity without pain, be sure to get evaluated by a physician.

Should I go to ER after fall? ›

Even if you're feeling fine after a fall, it's still important to visit the emergency room to be safe. That way, you can get any injuries treated before they have a chance to get worse.

What organs are damaged after a fall? ›

Likewise, impacting the ground after a fall can cause blunt trauma. Blunt trauma can rupture blood vessels and organs. The organs most likely to suffer damage from blunt trauma include the spleen and liver.

How do you tell if you have internal injuries from a fall? ›

pain. a tight or swollen abdomen. vomiting or nausea. clammy, pale, or sweaty skin.

What are 3 physical effects of a fall? ›

Consequences of falls
  • pain.
  • bruising.
  • scratches and other superficial wounds.
  • haematomas.
  • lacerations.
  • fractures.
  • intracranial bleeding.

What is the highest paid settlement? ›

1998 – The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement - $206 Billion. The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was entered in November 1998 and is still the largest lawsuit settlement in history.

What is the average settlement for a slip and fall case in California? ›

The Average Slip-and-Fall Settlement Claim in California

According to the California Business Journal, the average amount awarded in slip-and-fall claims ranges between $15,000 and $50,000, depending on the factors of the lawsuit. What you receive in damages depends on your injuries and their severity.

What is a very small settlement because the plaintiff's injury was slight? ›

Nominal damages; Very small settlement because the plaintiffs injury was slight. Compensatory damages; A settlement for losses suffered.

How much money should I ask for in a settlement? ›

To get a general idea of settlement, add up the costs in medical bills, damages, and lost wages, and multiply the sum by three. This may be around the amount in the settlement you can receive after a car accident.

What is considered a good settlement? ›

A good settlement offer should not only be able to cover your hospital bills and legal fees, but it should also be equivalent to close to a years' worth of your current wages, especially in cases where your injuries may be permanent or cause some kind of disability.

What's the most a lawyer can take from settlement? ›

Nationwide, the average percentage lawyers take from a settlement can range from 25% to 75%. Depending on a number of factors, these percentages change when comparing a car accident settlement, to a disability claim, or a medical malpractice case for example.

How long does it take to negotiate a settlement? ›

The average settlement negotiation takes one to three months once all relevant variables are presented. However, some settlements can take much longer to resolve. By partnering with skilled legal counsel, you can speed up the negotiation process and secure compensation faster.

How long does compensation take to pay out? ›

After accepting an offer of settlement for a personal injury claim you will usually receive your compensation money within 14-28 days from the date of settlement.

How do I ask for more money in an injury settlement? ›

You Can Negotiate a Settlement. Here's How
  1. Hold Onto Everything. ...
  2. Open an Insurance Claim in a Timely Manner. ...
  3. Estimate the Value of Your Claim Carefully. ...
  4. Write an Effective Demand Letter. ...
  5. Reject the Insurer's First Offer. ...
  6. Highlight Facts that Benefit You. ...
  7. Remain Calm During Negotiations. ...
  8. Hire a Lawyer to Help.

How do you calculate settlement amount for a claim? ›

The general formula most insurers use to measure settlement worth is the following: (Special damages x multiplier reflecting general damages) + lost wages = settlement amount.

How is pain and suffering calculated in California? ›

Under the multiplier method, a court calculates pain and suffering damages by multiplying economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) by a number between one and five to arrive at pain and suffering damages. The value of the multiplier depends on the degree of your pain and suffering.

What is the statute of limitations on a slip and fall in California? ›

The statute of limitations to bring a slip and fall personal injury lawsuit in California is generally two years from the date of the accident.

What is money awarded to an injured plaintiff? ›

Compensatory damages are money awarded to an injured party that compensate for damages, injury, or another incurred loss. Compensatory damages are awarded in civil court cases where loss has occurred as a result of the negligence or unlawful conduct of another party.

What is amount of money awarded to compensate for a plaintiff's loss? ›

Compensatory damages are the monetary awards given to the plaintiff who wins a civil lawsuit. They are intended to repay that individual for their loss or injury they suffered as a result of the defendant's unlawful or fraudulent conduct.

Why you should settle a lawsuit? ›

Settling outside of court is also an option that many skilled lawyers recommend for their clients. Settling outside of court helps you get the compensation you deserve, without the stress of going to trial.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated: 27/09/2023

Views: 6016

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.