Common Premises Hazards in Philadelphia Stores and Businesses

Philadelphia’s stores and businesses welcome many customers each day. Property owners and business operators are legally required to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. When they fail to do so, preventable hazards can cause serious accidents and injuries.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s premises liability laws—and the common dangers that arise in businesses—can help you recognize when a property owner may be responsible for your injuries.

What Is Premises Liability Law in Pennsylvania?

Premises liability law holds property owners accountable when unsafe conditions on their property cause injuries. In Pennsylvania, property owners must maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. If they ignore a dangerous condition and someone gets hurt, they may be held legally responsible.

These laws apply to both private and commercial properties, including grocery stores, restaurants, shopping centers, office buildings, and other businesses that invite the public inside.

What Are Property Owners’ Responsibilities to Visitors in Philadelphia?

The duty of care a property owner owes depends on the visitor’s legal status:

• Invitees: These are customers, clients, or others invited onto the property for business purposes. Owners owe the highest duty of care, which includes regularly inspecting for hazards, fixing unsafe conditions, and warning invitees of known dangers.
• Licensees (Social Guests): These are visitors who enter for non-business purposes with permission. Property owners must warn licensees of hidden dangers that may not be obvious.
• Trespassers: These are people who enter without permission and are generally not owed a duty of care, but owners cannot intentionally cause them harm.

In most store and business accidents, the injured party is considered an invitee, which places significant responsibility on owners and managers to maintain safe conditions.

Common Hazards in Philadelphia Stores and Businesses

Hazards can appear anywhere in a business if safety is neglected. Some of the most common include:

• Broken Elevators or Escalators: Sudden stops, missing safety features, or poor maintenance can lead to serious injuries.
• Icy or Uncleared Sidewalks: Pennsylvania businesses must remove snow and ice within a reasonable time to reduce slip and fall risks.
• Inadequate Security: Poor lighting, lack of surveillance, or insufficient security staff may expose visitors to assaults or theft.
• Malfunctioning Doors: Automatic doors that close too quickly or uneven thresholds can cause injuries.
• Obstructed Walkways: Merchandise displays, boxes, or cleaning equipment left in aisles create trip hazards.
• Poor Lighting: Dim or missing lighting in stairwells, hallways, or parking garages increases the risk of both accidents and crime.
• Slippery Floors: Spills, leaks, or recently mopped surfaces without warning signs are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents.
• Uneven or Damaged Flooring: Cracked tiles, worn carpeting, and sudden changes in floor height can cause falls.

When left unaddressed, these hazards may result in life-changing accidents. Businesses must promptly identify and fix dangerous conditions to protect customers and staff.

Common Injuries from Premises Liability Accidents

Premises hazards often cause severe, sometimes long-term injuries, including but not limited to:

• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Burns and electrocution from faulty wiring or equipment
• Broken bones and fractures
• Cuts and lacerations from broken fixtures or glass
• Emotional trauma from assaults or unsafe conditions
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises or torn muscles
• Sprains and strains from slips, trips, or awkward falls

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Liability in a premises case may fall on multiple parties, depending on who controlled the property and failed to address the hazard:

• Property owners – Ultimately responsible for safe conditions
• Business operators/tenants – Responsible for day-to-day safety inside leased premises
• Landlords/property managers – Liable for common areas such as parking lots or stairwells
• Maintenance or snow removal contractors – Accountable if negligent in their services
• Security companies – Liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable crimes
• Manufacturers/installers – Responsible for defective equipment, such as malfunctioning doors or elevators

Often, more than one party shares responsibility. Evidence such as leases, contracts, surveillance footage, accident reports, witness statements, and medical records can help establish liability.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

In Pennsylvania, injured parties may seek both economic damages (medical bills, lost income, rehabilitation costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life). Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• If you are less than 51% at fault, you may recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover compensation.

Victims must also file within two years of the accident under Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can bar recovery entirely.

What to Do After an Injury in a Store or Business in Philadelphia

If you are injured in a store or business:

• Report the accident to the manager or owner and request a written incident report.
• Take photos of the hazard and your injuries.
• Collect witness information.
• Preserve any evidence.
• Avoid posting on social media.
• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact an experienced Philadelphia premises liability lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.

How Galfand Berger LLP Can Help After a Premises Liability Accident

Premises liability cases can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. At Galfand Berger LLP, our Philadelphia premises liability lawyers investigate claims, identify responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies for maximum recovery.

Some of our results include:

• $2.5 million settlement for a truck driver injured in a 12-foot fall at a refinery due to unsafe conditions.
• $700,000 settlement for a client injured when a stopped elevator began moving again.

See more case results here.

Contact Our Philadelphia Premises Liability Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP After an Accident

Property owners must keep their premises safe. When they fail, Galfand Berger LLP is here to help. If you were injured in a store or business, call 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia premises liability lawyer. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.