Northeastern Pennsylvania Personal Injury and Criminal Defense Blog

What Duty do Store Owners Owe Customers in Luzerne County?

Posted by Michael A. Sklarosky | Feb 16, 2026 | 0 Comments

Slip and Fall Lawyer in Luzerne County, PA

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Property owners and businesses have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur.

As a slip and fall lawyer serving Luzerne County, I represent individuals who have been injured due to unsafe property conditions in Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Pittston, Kingston, Dallas, Mountain Top, and surrounding communities.

Slip and fall cases are a type of premises liability claim, and they are often harder to prove than people expect. Insurance companies frequently argue that the injured person was at fault. That is why it is important to understand how negligence works under Pennsylvania law.

How Negligence Works in a Luzerne County Slip and Fall Case

To succeed in a slip and fall lawsuit in Luzerne County, you must prove:

  1. The property owner owed you a duty of care.

  2. The owner failed to maintain safe conditions.

  3. That failure caused your fall.

  4. You suffered actual injuries and damages.

Negligence is the foundation of every slip and fall claim. Simply falling on someone else's property is not enough. The key issue is whether the property owner failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.

For example, a business owner may be liable if they:

  • Fail to clean up a spill in a reasonable time

  • Ignore icy walkways

  • Allow uneven flooring or broken stairs to remain unrepaired

  • Fail to provide adequate lighting in a parking lot

When these dangerous conditions cause injury, a slip and fall lawyer can pursue compensation on your behalf.

Visitor Status in Pennsylvania Slip and Fall Cases

Under Pennsylvania law, the duty owed by a property owner depends on why you were on the property.

Invitees (Highest Protection)

Most slip and fall cases involve invitees — customers at stores, restaurants, grocery stores, or other businesses. Businesses in Luzerne County must:

  • Inspect their property regularly

  • Fix dangerous conditions

  • Warn customers about hazards

  • Maintain safe floors, sidewalks, and entrances

If you slipped in a retail store in Wilkes-Barre or fell on ice outside a restaurant in Hazleton, you were likely an invitee and owed the highest duty of care.

Licensees

Licensees are social guests or individuals on property for their own purposes with permission. Property owners must warn them of known hazards that are not obvious.

Trespassers

Trespassers are generally owed very limited protection, except in special circumstances involving children.

Understanding your legal status is critical in determining the strength of your slip and fall case.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Luzerne County

We frequently see slip and fall injuries caused by:

  • Wet or freshly mopped floors

  • Ice and snow accumulation

  • Uneven sidewalks

  • Broken handrails

  • Poor lighting

  • Loose carpeting

  • Spilled liquids in grocery stores

Pennsylvania winters make snow and ice cases especially common in Luzerne County. Property owners must take reasonable steps to clear walkways within a reasonable time after a storm.

Injuries Often Seen in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, including:

  • Broken wrists

  • Hip fractures

  • Knee injuries

  • Back and spinal injuries

  • Traumatic brain injuries

  • Shoulder tears

These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and extended time away from work.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Slip and Fall Claims

Slip and fall claims are aggressively defended. Insurance companies often argue:

  • The condition was “open and obvious”

  • You were not paying attention

  • The hazard existed for too short a time

  • You were partially responsible

Pennsylvania follows comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you are found partially at fault.

An experienced slip and fall lawyer in Luzerne County understands how to gather surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness testimony to strengthen your case.

Speak With a Slip and Fall Lawyer in Luzerne County Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall in Luzerne County, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.  At Sklarosky Law, we represent accident victims throughout Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania, fighting for the compensation they deserve.

Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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