Ryan Zavodnick | February 24, 2025 | Personal Injury
Stepping into Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia promises a lively experience—fresh produce, international foods, and local vendors bustling with business. But a simple visit can become stressful if you end up hurt on the property.
Whether you slip on a wet floor or trip over a hidden hazard, you might have legal options to seek compensation. Continue reading to learn more about what you should do after being injured at the Reading Terminal Market in Philly.
Premises Liability Basics in Pennsylvania
When you get injured in a public place like Reading Terminal Market, your case could fall under premises liability. This area of personal injury law holds property owners and managers responsible if they fail to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors.
The exact duty they owe you depends on your status as a visitor—like an “invitee” if you’re shopping or dining. Owners must check for dangerous conditions and fix or warn about them. If they don’t and you’re injured as a result, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Examples of possible dangers include:
- Slippery floors: Unmarked spills or freshly mopped surfaces
- Tripping hazards: Uneven walkways or stray merchandise
- Poor lighting: Hard-to-see steps or blocked exits
- Inadequate security: If a known risk was ignored and it led to harm
Proving liability often means showing the market’s staff knew—or should have known—about the hazard and failed to address it promptly.
What To Do Right After an Accident
If you’re hurt at Reading Terminal Market, taking a few specific steps can help strengthen any potential claim:
- Report the accident: Let a store owner, manager, or security staff know immediately. Ask them to document your incident.
- Gather evidence: If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the scene and the hazard. Note names and numbers of any eyewitnesses.
- Seek medical care: Some injuries, like muscle strains or concussions, may worsen if untreated. Plus, medical records link your injury to the incident.
- Avoid accepting blame: Politely explain what happened, but don’t say it was “your fault.” A simple apology could later be used against you.
- Consult a lawyer: A premises liability case can involve multiple parties—like store tenants or management companies. A lawyer can pinpoint who’s at fault, secure footage or evidence, and meet filing deadlines.
By documenting and reporting right away, you can make your legal case stronger.
Potential Compensation You Can Recover
If you can prove negligence, you may be entitled to damages for your losses, which generally split into two categories:
- Economic damages: Tangible costs such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and any future care or therapy your injury might require.
- Non-economic damages: Intangible harms, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your enjoyment of life.
In rare cases of extreme wrongdoing, Pennsylvania courts might also award punitive damages. But typically, claims focus on restoring your financial and personal well-being.
Getting injured in Reading Terminal Market can take you by surprise, but you don’t have to face the consequences alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia can guide you through each step.
If the market or a vendor’s negligence caused you harm, you might be owed compensation to help you recover and move on. Don’t wait—speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and explore every available option.
Contact Our Product Liability Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.
