Premises Liability

Liability typically falls on the property owner, but in some cases, other parties may share responsibility. Depending on the location and nature of the hazard, potential defendants could include:

• Property owners (residential or commercial)
• Tenants or renters responsible for upkeep
• Property management companies
• Business operators
• Maintenance or janitorial contractors

For example, if you slip on a wet floor in a grocery store, the store operator may be liable- even if they don’t own the building- because they are responsible for daily safety inspections. Likewise, in apartment complexes, landlords are typically responsible for common areas, but tenants might be liable for coditions inside their leased space.

Our experienced legal team investigates not only who owns or controls the property, but also who had the responsibility and opportunity to prevent the hazard. Identifying all liable parties can significantly increase the value of your claim and improve your chances of full compensation.

Premises liability cases can lead to a wide range of injuries- some minor, others catastrophic. The most common include:

• Broken bones or fractures (hip, wrist, ankle)
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or concussions
• Lacerations and contusions
• Torn ligaments or soft tissue damage
• Internal bleeding or organ damage

In some cases, injuries may not be immediately obvious. For example, a traumatic brain injury may have delayed symptoms but lead to long-term cognitive issues. Slip and falls on icy sidewalks or parking lots often cause serious hip or spine injuries, especially in older adults.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., we work closely with medical professionals to fully assess and document the scope of your injuries, both current and future. This is critical in establishing the value of your claim and ensuring you’re compensated not just for today’s pain, but for long-term consequences.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims- including premises liability cases- is two years from the date of the accident. If you don’t file your claim within this time frame, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.

However, don’t wait until the deadline is looming. Prompt action is critical in these cases, as evidence can disappear quickly- security footage can be deleted, hazardous conditions can be repaired or altered, and witnesses can become harder to locate. Additionally, if the claim involves a government entity (e.g., injury on municipal property), notice must often be given within six months.

That’s why we always recommend contacting our office as soon as possible after an injury. At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we immediately preserve evidence, contact witnesses, and protect your rights from day one- putting you in the strongest legal position possible.

If you’re successful in proving your case, you may be entitled to recover damages that cover both economic and non-economic losses, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Out-of-pocket expenses

In certain cases where the property owner acted recklessly or with gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish their misconduct and deter future carelessness.

Every case is different, and compensation depends on factors like the severity of your injury, the extent of your recovery, and the liability limits of the property owner’s insurance. At our firm, we take the time to calculate the full scope of your damages so that no loss goes overlooked. We’ve recovered multi-million-dollar awards for premises liability victims- and we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve.

Yes- and this is a critical part of most premises liability cases. Under Pennsylvania law, you must typically prove that the property owner:

• Knew about the dangerous condition and didn’t fix it
• Should have known through reasonable inspection and maintenance

This is called “actual or constructive knowledge.” For example, if a grocery store customer slips on spilled juice that had been sitting for 30 minutes, the store may be liable if it failed to inspect and clean the area within a reasonable time.

We use surveillance footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert analysis to prove that the property owner either knew or should have known about the hazard. Our lawyers know how to uncover the truth, even when the responsible party tries to cover it up.

Yes, under Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.

For example, if a court finds you 20% responsible for not noticing a caution sign and your damages total $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. If you’re found more than 50% responsible, you would not be eligible to recover any damages.

Property owners and insurers often try to shift blame onto the injured person to reduce their payout. That’s why having an experienced legal team is crucial. We anticipate these tactics and build strong arguments to protect your rights and minimize or eliminate any comparative fault claims against you.

Absolutely. Landlords and property managers have a duty to maintain common areas in a reasonably safe condition. These include:

• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Parking lots
• Sidewalks
• Entryways

If you slipped on ice in the parking lot, fell down a poorly lit stairwell, or were injured due to lack of handrails or loose flooring, the landlord may be liable. However, if the injury occurred inside your own apartment, the situation is more nuanced. Responsibility may depend on your lease and whether the landlord had prior notice of the issue.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we’ve handled many tenant injury claims. We investigate maintenance practices, prior complaints, and the terms of the rental agreement to build a strong case for liability. Don’t assume you’re powerless- let us help you pursue the justice you deserve.

In most cases, the compensation you recover comes from the property owner’s liability insurance, not directly out of their pocket. Homeowners’ insurance, commercial general liability insurance, or premises liability coverage may all apply, depending on the nature of the property.

However, insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay as little as possible- or deny your claim entirely. They may try to get you to settle quickly for a low amount or suggest you were at fault.

At Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino, we handle all communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re not taken advantage of. We fight hard during negotiations and, if necessary, take the matter to court. Our track record speaks volumes- when insurers see our name, they know we mean business.

Because experience, results, and reputation matter- and we bring all three. Our firm has:

• Recovered over $112 million for injury victims
• Handled over 100 jury trials successfully
• Been voted Lancaster’s #1 Law Firm for 10 consecutive years
• A local team that knows the courts, judges, and insurers in Lancaster, Berks, York, and Chester counties

We don’t just “take cases”- we build cases. We launch immediate investigations, preserve evidence, consult with experts, and stay aggressive from start to finish. Whether you’re recovering from a serious fall or navigating complex landlord negligence, we’re with you every step of the way.

Your case is personal to us. We treat our clients like family, and we fight like hell to get them what they deserve. Call 717-394-3004 today and let us go to work for you.