If you fell in a store, restaurant, apartment building, parking lot or other property in Bloomsburg because of a dangerous condition, the property owner may be responsible for your injuries. Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers represents people hurt in slip and fall accidents throughout Columbia County, and our lawyers come to you in Bloomsburg at home, in the hospital or by video.
Our nearest office is in Lewisburg, about 30 miles west of Bloomsburg. A free case review costs you nothing.
Common Causes of Falls in Bloomsburg
Snow and ice on sidewalks, steps and parking lots
Wet or freshly mopped floors with no warning
Broken or uneven sidewalks and stairs
Missing handrails
Poor lighting in stairwells and parking areas
Crowded events, including at the fairgrounds during the Bloomsburg Fair
Rental housing near campus with repairs left undone
What You Need to Show
In Pennsylvania, a property owner who invites the public in must keep the property reasonably safe. To win a slip and fall case, you generally need to show that:
A dangerous condition existed
The owner knew about it, or should have found it with reasonable inspections
The owner failed to fix it or warn you
The condition caused your fall and your injuries
Snow and ice cases follow special rules. Under Pennsylvania’s “hills and ridges” rule, an owner is generally not responsible for snow and ice during an active storm, but may be once the weather clears and the owner had time to act.
Falls on Government or Campus Property
Falls on property owned by the Commonwealth, a town or another government body follow different rules. The Bloomsburg campus of Commonwealth University is part of Pennsylvania’s state university system, so a fall there may be a claim against a Commonwealth agency. These claims usually require written notice within six months, and only certain dangerous conditions qualify. Talk to a lawyer quickly if you fell on public property.
What to Do After a Fall
Get medical care, even if you think you are fine. Hip, wrist and head injuries are common after falls.
Report the fall to the manager or owner and ask for a copy of the incident report.
Take photos of what made you fall before it is cleaned up or fixed.
Keep the shoes and clothes you were wearing.
Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
Bloomsburg Slip and Fall FAQs
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim?
Generally two years from the fall. Claims against a government agency usually require written notice within six months.
What if I was partly at fault?
You can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your share.
Do you have an office in Bloomsburg?
Our nearest office is in Lewisburg. Our lawyers come to you in Bloomsburg, at home, in the hospital or by video.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Nothing up front. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
