The Premises Liability lawyers at Vaughan McLean have extensive experience helping business owners, landlords and tenants, municipalities and school districts, shopping centers and retailers, restaurants and others resolve premises liability claims. Our claims experience ranges from “slip and fall” incidents to allegations involving alcohol service, store security detention, assault and battery, dangerous conditions on property and more.
Clients count on our methodical and pragmatic analysis of incidents to understand potential liabilities, evaluate their options and craft strategies for resolving each claim. They know we listen to their needs and objectives when recommending solutions, from seeking early resolution to aggressively contesting allegations and everything in between. And they appreciate our fast resolution rate and our success at bringing matters to conclusion with minimal financial loss and the least amount of disruption to their business activities.
Our lawyers have earned a reputation for successful dispositive motions in jurisdictions where such motions are rarely granted, skillfully articulating client positions and convincing courts to dismiss claims. In one such matter, an individual claimed he fell on a mound of snow in the parking lot of our client, a supermarket. We obtained summary judgment for our client in Philadelphia County based on the “choice of ways” and “assumption of risk” doctrines. This ruling was affirmed on appeal to the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
In another “slip and fall” lawsuit, our motion for summary judgment was granted by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiff allegedly slipped on a piece of banana in a store. It was found that the plaintiff failed to come forward with evidence that the store had notice of the presence of the banana. This decision was also affirmed on appeal to the Third Circuit.
As local and state governments begin to lift COVID-19 restrictions, we are increasingly working with employers, landlords, business owners and others seeking to evaluate and quantify premises liability risks associated with allowing employees and customers to return on site. We develop plans for minimizing their exposure, we guide them on policies and procedures that reduce risks and we help them prepare for and adapt to an uncertain future.