Pennsylvania man takes premises liability suit to federal court

Even though cartoons and comedies use it as a go-to gag, slipping on a banana peel is anything but funny if it results in injury. Slip and fall accidents can lead to broken bones, neck and back problems or concussions, among other injuries. While it is important for Pennsylvania businesses to provide a safe and hazard-free environment for their customers and employees, in the event of an accident, it is not always easy to prove premises liability.

Recently a man filed suit against a Save-A-Lot grocery store. He claimed to have slipped on a banana in the produce aisle. The man said the fall resulted in permanent injuries that may affect his ability to earn a living.

A federal judge determined, however, that the injured man had not sufficiently proven that the store personnel knew the banana was on the floor and neglected to correct the situation. Furthermore, the plaintiff apparently could not say how long the fruit had been on the floor since no one else saw it or slipped on it. According to the judge, the lack of dirt on the banana suggested that it had not been there long enough for the store to have reasonable time to address the hazard.

Like this man, many in Pennsylvania who are injured in slip and fall accidents decide to take legal action. While he did not win his case, there are often positive outcomes for others. The first step many take is contacting an attorney who will determine if there is enough evidence to support a person’s claim in a premises liability suit. When people are injured from hazards that could have been corrected, they have a right to seek compensation for their monetary losses, including their pain and suffering.

This blog entry was posted on behalf of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firm or its attorneys. The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.

Source: post-gazette.com, “Banana fall case slips away from shopper“, P.J. D’Annunzio, July 5, 2016