It Happens When You Least Expect It
You’re walking into a grocery store in Allentown, heading down icy steps in Bethlehem, or maybe just visiting a friend’s apartment in Fountain Hill—and suddenly, you’re on the ground. Your back hurts, your wrist feels off, and everyone’s staring. It’s embarrassing, sure. But more than that, it could be serious. Slip and fall accidents are some of the most common personal injury cases we see here in the Lehigh Valley, and unfortunately, many people brush them off thinking they just need to “walk it off.” At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’re here to tell you that what might seem like a simple fall could have a real legal and financial impact—and you deserve to know what to do next.
Immediate Steps After a Fall
First things first: get medical attention. Even if you feel okay in the moment, adrenaline can mask injuries. A bruised tailbone, sprained ankle, or even a concussion might not show up right away. Seeing a doctor helps protect your health—and it also creates a record that links your injuries to the fall. If you’re able, take photos of the scene right away. That could be a wet floor without a warning sign, a broken sidewalk, poor lighting, or snow that wasn’t shoveled. These details can disappear quickly, and they’re key to proving your case. Also, report the incident. If it happens at a business or apartment complex, notify the manager or landlord and ask for a written report. If there are witnesses, grab their names and contact info. These early steps are your foundation for what might become a strong personal injury claim.
Understanding Liability in Slip and Fall Cases
In Pennsylvania, property owners have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors and tenants. That means salting icy walkways, fixing broken steps, cleaning spills, and warning people of hazards they can’t immediately repair. If they fail to do that, and you get hurt, they can be held legally responsible. But here’s the catch—you’ll need to prove they knew about the hazard (or should have known) and didn’t take action. That’s where documentation becomes critical. And don’t be surprised if the property owner’s insurance company tries to shift the blame onto you. We’ve seen it all—“You weren’t watching where you were going,” “The danger was obvious,” or “We didn’t know about the issue.” These are common tactics, and they don’t mean you don’t have a case. They just mean you’ll need strong legal support to fight back.
Common Places Where Falls Happen in Lehigh Valley
We’ve seen slip and fall cases all across the region—slippery supermarket floors in Allentown, icy church steps in Bethlehem, unlit hallways in Freemansburg apartment buildings, and uneven parking lots in Fountain Hill. In many of these cases, the property owner either ignored maintenance, failed to warn visitors, or delayed fixing an obvious problem. The law doesn’t require perfection—but it does require reasonable care. If they didn’t provide that, and it led to your injury, you have every right to seek compensation.
What You May Be Entitled To
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and even future treatment if the injury causes long-term issues. The insurance company might try to throw out a quick settlement offer—especially if they think you’re handling the claim alone. But don’t accept anything before speaking with someone who’s on your side. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we know how to calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate for what you truly deserve.
Why Local Legal Help Matters
Every region has its own rhythm—and the Lehigh Valley is no exception. Knowing how local courts view these cases, understanding how local property managers operate, and having a feel for our neighborhoods can give your case a stronger edge. We’ve helped clients throughout Bethlehem, Allentown, Freemansburg, Fountain Hill, Rittersville, and beyond hold negligent property owners accountable. You’re not just hiring an attorney—you’re hiring someone who understands this area and how to navigate its legal landscape.
Get Help When You Need It Most
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t try to tough it out or go it alone. Visit www.snoverlaw.com to schedule a free consultation and get the support you need. At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we proudly serve the communities of Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and we’re here to help you stand up, speak out, and get the compensation you need to move forward.