Slip and Fall Accidents in Harrisburg: Property Owner Liability

Slip and Fall Accidents in Harrisburg: Property Owner Liability

Slip and fall accidents in Harrisburg happen more often than most people realize, and the injuries can be far more serious than a simple bruise. A fall on a wet floor, an icy sidewalk, a broken staircase, or an uneven parking lot can result in broken bones, head injuries, spinal damage, and chronic pain that disrupts your life for months or years. If you were injured in a slip and fall in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania law allows you to hold the property owner accountable when their negligence caused the dangerous condition that led to your fall.

Property Owner Liability in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania premises liability law requires property owners to maintain reasonably safe conditions for people who are lawfully on their property. To establish liability in a slip and fall case, you must prove:

• The property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition. This can be actual knowledge (the owner was told about the hazard) or constructive knowledge (the hazard existed long enough that a reasonable owner would have discovered it).
• The property owner failed to fix the hazard or provide adequate warning. Simply knowing about a dangerous condition is not enough — the owner must take reasonable steps to address it.
• The hazardous condition directly caused your injury. You must show a clear connection between the property defect and your fall.

The duty of care owed depends on your legal status on the property. Business invitees (customers, clients, patients) are owed the highest duty of care. Social guests (licensees) are owed a somewhat lower duty. Trespassers are generally owed the least protection, with limited exceptions.

Common Locations for Slip and Fall Accidents in Harrisburg

• Government buildings and the Capitol Complex. High foot traffic, marble floors, and aging infrastructure create slip hazards. Claims against government entities have special notice requirements under the Pennsylvania Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act.
• Hospitals and medical facilities. Wet floors from cleaning, spills, and tracked-in precipitation are common hazards in Harrisburg’s medical facilities, including UPMC Pinnacle and Penn State Health.
• Shopping centers and retail stores. The Harrisburg Mall, Strawberry Square, and commercial areas along Jonestown Road and Paxton Street see frequent slip and fall incidents from spills, wet entryways, and parking lot hazards.
• Restaurants and bars. Midtown Harrisburg’s restaurant district and the establishments along Second Street present hazards from spilled food and drinks, greasy floors, and wet restrooms.
• Apartment buildings and rental properties. Landlords in Harrisburg are responsible for maintaining common areas, stairwells, hallways, and exterior walkways. Failure to repair broken steps, clear ice, or fix lighting creates liability.
• Sidewalks and public spaces. Cracked sidewalks, tree root upheaval, and poor winter maintenance on public walkways cause falls throughout the city. Municipal claims require written notice within six months.

Comparative Negligence and the Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence rule (42 Pa.C.S. § 7102) applies to slip and fall cases. If you were partially at fault — for example, if you were looking at your phone or wearing inappropriate footwear — your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. You can still recover as long as your fault is less than 51%.

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Claims against government entities require written notice within six months. Missing these deadlines permanently bars your claim. Understanding the timeline for personal injury cases in Pennsylvania is critical.

Compensation for Slip and Fall Injuries

• Medical expenses including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment.
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement.

Serious slip and fall injuries — such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries — can result in substantial recoveries, particularly for older adults whose recovery timeline and future care needs are significant.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall in Harrisburg

• Report the incident immediately. Notify the property owner or manager and request a written incident report.
• Photograph the hazard. Document the condition that caused your fall before it is cleaned up or repaired.
• Get witness information. Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the fall.
• Seek medical attention the same day. Delaying treatment gives the insurance company ammunition to argue your injuries are not serious.
• Preserve your clothing and shoes. The insurance company may claim your footwear contributed to the fall.
• Do not give a recorded statement to the property owner’s insurance company without consulting an attorney.
• Contact an attorney. An experienced premises liability attorney can help preserve evidence and build your case.

Why Harrisburg Slip and Fall Victims Choose Leeson & Leeson

Joseph F. Leeson III is a Super Lawyers Rising Star and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. His combined JD, MBA, and CPA background gives him the financial expertise to calculate the full long-term cost of slip and fall injuries.

Leeson & Leeson serves slip and fall victims across central Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and the surrounding communities. We also serve clients in Bethlehem, Allentown, and the Lehigh Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions