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Slip and Fall Lawyer in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Slip and fall accidents happen every day in Harrisburg, often when people least expect it. A wet grocery store floor, icy sidewalk, broken handrail, or poorly lit stairwell can turn a normal day into a painful and overwhelming experience. These accidents are not just embarrassing mishaps—they frequently cause serious injuries that require medical treatment, time away from work, and long-term recovery.

At MWKE, our focus is helping injured people understand their rights after a slip and fall accident and determine whether property owner negligence played a role. If you were hurt on someone else’s property in Harrisburg or the surrounding area, this page explains how slip and fall cases work in Pennsylvania, where these accidents commonly occur, what injuries are involved, and what steps to take next.

Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are So Common in Harrisburg

Harrisburg’s mix of older buildings, high foot traffic, and seasonal weather creates many conditions where slip and fall accidents occur. Snow, ice, rain, and uneven walking surfaces all increase the risk, especially in busy areas near downtown and government buildings.

Local factors that contribute to slip and fall injuries include:

Snow and ice accumulation during Pennsylvania winters
Poor sidewalk maintenance on older streets
Wet floors in stores, restaurants, and office buildings
Cracked pavement and uneven walkways
Inadequate lighting in stairwells and parking garages
Loose carpeting, mats, or floor tiles

Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere—from a retail store on Market Street to an apartment complex near Front Street or a parking lot off Cameron Street.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall cases often fall under premises liability law, which requires property owners and managers to maintain reasonably safe conditions. When they fail to do so, injuries can occur.

Wet or Slippery Floors

Spills, leaks, recently mopped floors, or tracked-in rain or snow are common causes of falls in grocery stores, restaurants, and office buildings.

Snow and Ice

Winter weather in Harrisburg creates dangerous conditions on sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots. Failure to properly remove snow or treat ice can lead to serious injuries.

Uneven Sidewalks and Walkways

Cracked concrete, raised pavement, potholes, and broken curbs are frequent causes of outdoor slip and fall accidents.

Poor Lighting

Dim or burned-out lighting in stairwells, hallways, and parking garages makes hazards difficult to see and avoid.

Broken or Missing Handrails

Handrails are critical for safety on stairs and ramps. Missing or unstable rails can lead to devastating falls.

Cluttered Walkways

Boxes, cords, merchandise, or debris left in walking areas can create tripping hazards.

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Happen in Harrisburg

Slip and fall injuries occur across Harrisburg in both public and private spaces, including:

Grocery stores and retail centers
Restaurants, bars, and cafes
Apartment complexes and rental properties
Office buildings and government facilities
Hotels and event venues
Parking lots and parking garages
Sidewalks and pedestrian walkways
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities

High foot-traffic areas near Downtown Harrisburg, the Capitol Complex, and riverfront locations along Front Street often see increased slip and fall activity.

Injuries Commonly Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall injuries can be far more serious than people realize, particularly for older adults. Many victims require emergency medical care immediately after a fall.

Common slip and fall injuries include:

Broken wrists, arms, ankles, and hips
Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
Back and spinal cord injuries
Herniated or bulging discs
Knee and shoulder injuries
Soft tissue injuries and torn ligaments
Facial injuries and dental damage

Injured individuals are often treated at local hospitals such as UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, or Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident in Harrisburg

The steps you take after a slip and fall accident can significantly impact your health and any potential claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, internal injuries or head trauma may not be immediately apparent. Medical records are also key evidence.

Report the Accident

Notify the property owner, store manager, landlord, or building supervisor as soon as possible and ask that an incident report be completed.

Document the Scene

Take photos or videos of the hazardous condition, the surrounding area, and any warning signs—or lack of them. Try to capture the scene before it changes.

Get Witness Information

If anyone saw the fall, collect names and contact information. Witness statements can be extremely helpful.

Avoid Detailed Statements to Insurance Companies

Insurance representatives may reach out quickly. What you say can be used to challenge or reduce a claim.

Speak With a Slip and Fall Lawyer

Legal guidance can help you understand whether negligence may have been involved and what options may be available.

How Slip and Fall Liability Works in Pennsylvania

Slip and fall cases in Pennsylvania depend on the injured person’s legal status on the property and whether the owner acted reasonably.

Property owners generally have a duty to:

Inspect their property regularly
Fix known hazards within a reasonable time
Warn visitors of dangerous conditions they cannot immediately fix

Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

You may recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault
Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault
If you are more than 50% responsible, recovery may be barred

Insurance companies often argue that the injured person “should have seen” the hazard. A slip and fall lawyer can help challenge these claims with evidence.

Compensation Available in Slip and Fall Cases

A slip and fall claim may include compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment
Hospital stays and follow-up care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Future medical needs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or scarring

The value of a case depends on the severity of injuries, long-term impact, and the circumstances surrounding the fall.

Why Slip and Fall Claims Are Often Challenged

Slip and fall cases are frequently disputed because property owners and insurers try to avoid responsibility.

Common defenses include:

Claiming the hazard was “open and obvious”
Arguing the condition existed for too short a time to fix
Blaming the injured person’s footwear or behavior
Disputing the seriousness of injuries
Minimizing long-term medical needs

These tactics make it important to gather strong evidence early.

Slip and Fall Accidents Involving Ice and Snow

Winter slip and fall accidents are especially common in Harrisburg. Snow and ice on sidewalks, steps, and parking lots can cause sudden and severe falls.

Property owners may be responsible if they fail to:

Clear snow within a reasonable time
Apply ice melt or sand
Address refreezing conditions
Maintain safe walkways during storms

Each case depends on timing, weather conditions, and maintenance efforts.

Slip and Fall Accidents in Stores and Businesses

Retail stores, grocery stores, and restaurants have a responsibility to keep floors safe for customers. Common hazards include spills, leaking coolers, and freshly mopped floors without warning signs.

Surveillance footage, cleaning logs, and employee reports can be critical evidence in these cases.

Nursing Home and Assisted Living Falls

Slip and fall injuries in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are especially serious. Residents may suffer fractures, head injuries, or complications that significantly affect their health.

Falls in these facilities may involve issues such as:

Inadequate supervision
Poor maintenance
Unsafe flooring
Lack of proper mobility assistance

Frequently Asked Questions About Slip and Fall Accidents in Harrisburg

How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Pennsylvania?

In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident.

Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the hospital right away?

Delays in treatment can complicate a claim, but they do not automatically prevent recovery.

What if there were no warning signs?

Lack of warning signs can support a claim, especially if the hazard was known or should have been addressed.

What if I slipped on public property?

Claims involving government property may have additional notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Will my case go to court?

Many slip and fall cases resolve through settlement, but preparation for trial is often necessary.

Acting Quickly After a Slip and Fall Matters

Hazards can be cleaned up quickly after a fall. Surveillance footage may be deleted, and witnesses may be lost. Acting early helps preserve:

Photos and video evidence
Incident reports
Medical documentation
Witness statements
Maintenance and inspection records

Early action can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a case.

Serving Injured People Throughout Harrisburg and Surrounding Areas

MWKE represents individuals injured in slip and fall accidents throughout Harrisburg and nearby communities, including Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Mechanicsburg, Colonial Park, and surrounding areas of Dauphin and Cumberland Counties.

Speak With a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Harrisburg, PA

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Harrisburg, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what to do next. Understanding your rights is an important first step.

MWKE offers free consultations to help injured people learn whether they may have a slip and fall claim. There is no obligation—just clear answers and guidance during a difficult time.

Contact MWKE today to discuss your slip and fall accident and learn how a Harrisburg slip and fall lawyer can help you move forward.