A slip and fall accident can change your life in an instant. One moment, you’re walking through a grocery store, office building, or parking lot, and the next, you’re on the ground with injuries that could take weeks, months, or even years to heal. If you’ve been hurt because of a property owner’s negligence, you may have a right to take legal action.

But how long do you have? In Pennsylvania, you ‌have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But that’s just the beginning of what you need to know. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our personal injury attorneys at Silver & Silver help break down Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for slip and fall claims and explain why acting quickly is in your best interest.

Pennsylvania’s Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania law gives injured individuals two years from the date of their slip and fall to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file within this two-year period, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case. This means you won’t be able to recover compensation, no matter how strong your claim may have been.

However, there are exceptions that can affect the filing deadline:

• Claims Against Government Entities: If your accident happened on government property—such as a city-maintained sidewalk, public school, or government office—you have far less time to act. Pennsylvania law requires you to file a notice of intent to sue within six months of the accident. If you miss this step, you may be barred from filing a lawsuit later.
• Minors: If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the fall, the two-year statute of limitations doesn’t start until their 18th birthday. This means they could have until their 20th birthday to file a claim.
• Discovery Rule: In rare cases, if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent (such as a delayed-onset brain injury), the statute of limitations may begin from the date the injury was discovered rather than the date of the accident. However, most slip and fall claims are subject to the standard two-year deadline.

Why You Should Act Quickly After a Slip and Fall

Even though you technically have up to two years to file a lawsuit, waiting too long can weaken your case. Here’s why:

• Evidence Can Disappear: The sooner slip and fall accident attorneys begin investigating, the better. Surveillance footage can be erased, maintenance records can be lost, and witnesses may forget critical details. Acting quickly gives your legal team the best chance to collect strong evidence.
• Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair: If you delay filing a claim, insurance companies may use that against you. They might argue that your injuries weren’t serious or that something else caused them. Getting legal representation early helps counter these tactics.
• Medical Expenses Add Up: Slip and fall injuries can result in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. Filing a claim sooner can help you secure the compensation you need to cover these financial burdens.

What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall?

To strengthen your case, take the following steps immediately after an accident:

1. Report the Incident: Inform the property owner, store manager, or landlord about your fall. If it happened in a business, ask for a written report.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear. Seeing a doctor right away not only protects your health but also creates medical records that can support your claim.
3. Document Everything: Take photos of the scene, including any hazardous conditions (like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or broken steps). Gather names and contact information from witnesses.
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Before accepting any offer, consult slip and fall lawyers in Philadelphia, PA, who understand the full value of your claim.
5. Call a Lawyer: A skilled legal team can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure you meet all deadlines.

Get Legal Help Today

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, time is not on your side. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be. Call Silver & Silver today to schedule your consultation with our slip and fall accident attorneys in Philadelphia, PA.

Disclosure:

This website is designed to provide only general information. The information presented on this website is not formal legal advice. You should not rely on any general information from any source for making legal decisions. Each legal matter is unique and requires specific attention from a qualified and experienced attorney. Unless a representation agreement has been signed with the Law Offices of Silver & Silver, we are not your legal representatives.