If you were injured on someone else’s property in Bethlehem, you’re likely dealing with far more than pain. Medical bills are piling up. You may be missing work, losing income, and unsure how long your recovery will take. Worst of all, no one from the property owner’s side is taking responsibility. You're frustrated, and you should be.
At Leeson & Leeson, our Bethlehem premises liability lawyers help people in the Lehigh Valley who’ve been seriously hurt because of unsafe conditions on private, commercial, or public property. Whether you tripped on a broken sidewalk near Broad Street, slipped on unmarked wet floors at a supermarket, or were attacked due to negligent security at a business, you have legal rights.
Our job is to hold property owners accountable and pursue full and fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
Key Takeaways for Bethlehem Premises Liability Lawyers
- Property owners in Pennsylvania must maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors.
- Slip and falls, dog bites, poor security, and unsafe buildings are all grounds for liability.
- Even partial fault doesn’t necessarily bar recovery under PA's comparative negligence law.
- Injury claims often involve more than physical pain. Serious injuries can also upend your financial and emotional state.
- Protect your rights by hiring a lawyer, keeping medical records, and documenting your recovery.
- Leeson & Leeson fights for full and fair compensation on behalf of injured residents throughout Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley.
When Property Owners Put You in Harm’s Way
In Pennsylvania, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This includes homes, businesses, apartment complexes, parking garages, public buildings, and more. If they fail to fix hazards or warn you about dangerous conditions, and you get hurt as a result, they may be liable for your injuries.
Most property injury claims arise from a few common scenarios. Each type involves different legal issues, but they all stem from negligence.
Slip and fall accidents
Unmarked spills, icy sidewalks, uneven flooring, and poor lighting can all create dangerous conditions. Businesses, landlords, and homeowners must address these risks promptly. If they don’t, and someone slips and falls, they can be held liable.
Trip and fall hazards
Cracked pavement, broken steps, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways may seem minor, but they can cause serious injuries, especially to older adults or people with mobility issues.
Negligent security injuries
Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes. This could include security cameras, proper lighting, or on-site staff. Failing to do so may leave them liable if a guest is assaulted, robbed, or worse.
Dog bites and animal attacks
In Pennsylvania, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets under 3 P.S. § 459-502(b). If a dog bites you in a public space or on private property where you were lawfully present, the owner may be financially responsible.
Falling merchandise or structural collapses
Retail stores, warehouses, and apartment buildings must be properly maintained. When ceilings collapse, heavy merchandise falls from shelves, or other structural failures occur, people can be seriously injured. These accidents often point to negligent construction or ignored safety issues.
Who Qualifies for Protection Under Pennsylvania Premises Liability Law?
Property owners in Bethlehem owe different levels of responsibility depending on why you were on the property:
- Invitees are people who enter a property for a business purpose, such as customers in a store or patients in a medical office. Owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes inspecting for hazards and fixing or warning about them.
- Licensees are social guests or others allowed on the property for non-commercial reasons. Owners must still warn them of known dangers but don’t have to inspect for unknown ones.
- Trespassers are people who enter without permission. Property owners generally have no duty to keep trespassers safe, unless the trespasser is a child, in which case different rules apply.
- Children and “attractive nuisances.” Under Pennsylvania’s attractive nuisance doctrine, children are treated differently from adults, even if they were trespassing.
If the hazard was likely to attract children, such as a swimming pool, trampoline, or unsecured construction site, the owner may still be liable even if the child was trespassing. Courts have held that landowners must take reasonable steps to protect children from these dangers if the risk is both foreseeable and preventable.
Most clients Leeson & Leeson represents are invitees or licensees—people who had every right to be where they were when they were injured. If you’re not sure which category applies to you, we will clarify that as part of your case evaluation.
Common Injuries in Bethlehem Premises Liability Cases
Even a simple fall can have serious consequences, especially when it involves head trauma, spinal injuries, or broken bones. Property-related injuries often come with long recoveries, emotional trauma, and permanent impairments that affect everyday life.
We’ve represented clients in Bethlehem with injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Broken hips, wrists, and ankles
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD or emotional distress following violent assaults
No matter what type of injury you’ve suffered, your case deserves careful attention and aggressive representation.
What Should You Do After an Injury on Someone Else’s Property?
You’ve likely already received medical care. That’s the most important first step for your health and for documenting the cause and extent of your injuries. But once you’ve been treated, there are other steps you can take to protect your legal rights.
Here’s what to do next:
- Hire a premises liability lawyer. You’ll be going up against insurance companies trained to pay as little as possible. Having legal counsel levels the playing field and ensures insurers don’t take advantage of you.
- Keep all follow-up appointments. Ongoing medical care builds a record that connects your injuries to the incident. Gaps in treatment can be used against you.
- Document your recovery. Video or written journals, photos of injuries, and pain diaries can help demonstrate how the accident affected your life.
- Avoid speaking to the other party’s insurance adjuster. They will likely lowball insurance offers, hoping you will accept them out of need, or they may challenge and minimize your claim. Let your lawyer handle all communication.
How We Build Strong Premises Liability Claims
Not all injury claims are straightforward. In Bethlehem, proving a premises liability case requires showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
We build strong cases by:
- Investigating the scene and identifying code violations or maintenance failures
- Interviewing witnesses, store employees, or tenants
- Gathering medical records, surveillance footage, and repair logs
- Bringing in expert witnesses when needed, such as engineers or safety professionals
At Leeson & Leeson, our Bethlehem premises liability lawyers understand how Bethlehem buildings are constructed, how property management companies operate locally, and what it takes to prove negligence in Pennsylvania courts.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Claim?
Every case is different, but the goal is the same: recovering compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses. This includes both immediate and long-term damages.
In a Bethlehem premises liability case, you may be eligible to pursue:
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We aim to recover the maximum possible settlement or verdict for each client. When appropriate, we also pursue punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Common Defense Tactics in Premises Liability Cases
Once you file a claim, the property owner and their insurance company will likely push back. Their goal is to avoid paying you or at least minimize your compensation. Anticipating their tactics is critical to building a solid case from the start.
Blaming you for the accident
Property owners may argue that you weren’t watching where you were going or that you ignored posted warnings. Under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence rule, this can reduce your compensation if the jury finds you partially responsible. But it won’t bar recovery unless you’re more than 50% at fault. Leeson & Leeson immediately gathers evidence to protect you against blame-shifting strategies.
Claiming they didn’t know about the hazard
Owners often say they didn’t have time to fix a dangerous condition or weren’t aware of it. But this defense doesn’t always hold up. If a hazard existed long enough that a reasonable property owner should have discovered it, they may still be liable. Our investigation focuses on proving what the owner knew or should have known.
Minimizing your injuries
Insurance companies frequently question how badly someone is hurt, especially if the injuries aren’t visible. They may argue that your injuries were preexisting or that you’re exaggerating your pain. We work with treating physicians and medical experts to document the true impact of your injuries, both now and long-term.
Legal Deadlines for Premises Liability Claims in Pennsylvania
Timing matters in personal injury law. In Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524. Missing this statute of limitations deadline can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
However, there are exceptions. If the injured person is a minor, the statute may be extended. And if your claim is against a government entity, such as a slip and fall at a city-owned building, you must file a notice of claim within six months under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.
The best way to protect your rights is to consult an experienced premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and early legal action helps preserve your claim.
What to Expect When Filing a Premises Liability Claim
Many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they don’t know what the process involves. Here’s a rough step-by-step look at the legal process when you work with Leeson & Leeson on a premises liability case in Bethlehem:
Step 1: Case evaluation
We start by listening. You’ll discuss your case with an attorney. We will take the time to get to know you, listen to your experience, learn about your injury, what happened, and how your life has changed since the accident.
Step 2: Investigation and documentation
We collect evidence, speak with witnesses, review maintenance records, and gather medical reports. Our premises liability lawyers start building your case as if it’s going to trial. As court-tested and proven trial lawyers, we are ready to go to court if the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair deal.
Step 3: Demand and negotiation
We submit a formal demand letter outlining the facts, liability, and damages. Most cases resolve through negotiation, and we pursue the strongest settlement possible.
Step 4: Litigation (if needed)
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, we may take your case to court. We’ve litigated cases in Northampton County and across the Lehigh Valley for decades. Our knowledge of local courts and procedures helps us advocate more effectively for our clients.
Local Knowledge Matters in Bethlehem Premises Liability Cases
Bethlehem is unique. From the historic homes on Main Street to commercial buildings on Stefko Boulevard and Southside shopping centers, every property is different, and so are the local rules and expectations.
Leeson & Leeson is deeply rooted in the Lehigh Valley. We know how Bethlehem property owners manage their real estate. We understand the city’s permitting and inspection history, and we’ve worked with judges in Northampton County Court of Common Pleas for years.
That local insight allows us to move faster, anticipate challenges, and present stronger claims.
FAQs About Premises Liability in Bethlehem
Can I still file a claim if the dangerous condition was temporary or cleaned up after my fall?
Yes. Even if the hazard was cleaned up or repaired after your injury, you may still have a valid premises liability claim. What matters is whether the condition existed long enough that the property owner should have known about it and acted sooner.
Our legal team will investigate the timing of the hazard, review security footage (if available), and speak with witnesses or employees to determine what the property owner knew and when. Prompt cleanup does not erase negligence that occurred beforehand.
What if I was partly responsible for the accident?
Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence rules under 42 Pa.C.S. § 7102, which means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible for the accident. A lawyer can help push back against unfair blame.
How much does it cost to hire a premises liability lawyer?
At Leeson & Leeson, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing up front, and we only get paid if we win your case. If there’s no recovery, you owe us nothing.
How long does a premises liability case take to resolve?
Some cases settle within a few months. Others may take a year or longer if litigation is involved. Factors include the severity of your injury, the amount of damages, and how cooperative the other party is during negotiations. We keep you informed every step of the way.
Can I sue for emotional distress after a premises liability injury?
Yes. In addition to physical injuries, you may be able to seek compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and trauma—especially in cases involving violent assaults, serious falls, or disfigurement.
Talk to a Bethlehem Premises Liability Lawyer Who Knows How to Win
You’ve been injured because someone didn’t take basic safety seriously. That’s not your fault. What happens next matters, and it could shape your financial future for years to come.
Leeson & Leeson brings over 50 years of legal experience, deep ties to Bethlehem, and a results-driven approach to every case we take. Attorney Joseph F. Leeson III is known for his courtroom strength, financial background, and commitment to making the legal process easier on his clients.
We handle every aspect of your case, from investigation to negotiation to trial. You won’t have to chase down paperwork or deal with the insurance adjuster. We take care of all of it. Our goal is not just to position you for the best possible recovery, but to make your legal experience as effortless and stress-free as we can.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to fight for you.
Contact Leeson & Leeson Today
Get a free, confidential consultation with a local Bethlehem premises liability attorney who will listen, guide you, and pursue maximum compensation for your injury. As a trusted Bethlehem personal injury lawyer, we are committed to protecting your rights and helping you move forward with confidence. Call us today at (610)691-3320 or contact us online.