Premises liability holds property owners responsible if an individual gets hurt because of unsafe measures. These include slipping on a wet floor, falling down broken stairs, getting hurt by loose tiles or exposed wires, and falling objects.
Dog bites also often fall under premises liability, which affects 4.5 million Americans annually. Duque & Price stated that animal attacks can cause permanent damages and, in severe cases, even death. If such an incident happens, you will need legal help to get compensation for your losses.
If you have been injured on public property (such as a park, store or shopping mall) or private property (such as a personal residence or office building), a premises liability lawyer can explain your rights.
Let’s find out what they can do for you and why getting legal help after an injury can make a big difference.
Understanding Premises Liability Law
One of the responsibilities of a property owner is to keep their place safe for all visitors and guests that come. They must keep their premises reasonably free of hazards to avoid causing accidents and injuries.
On the contrary, failing to secure this safety measure holds them responsible and liable for the incident. This includes both public and private property owners, says personal injury attorney Robert J. David. In this case, they must provide compensation to the victim.
Understanding these legal obligations provides a sense of security when you visit places, public or otherwise.
You should not carry the burden of these injuries – the treatment costs and other affected areas of your life – if such an incident was caused by another person’s negligence.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases arise from situations involving the failure of owners or occupiers to provide safe premises. One common type of falling accident occurs due to wet floors or uneven surfaces.
Poor lighting may trip you up and cause you to fall in dark alleys. Dog bites occur when the owner neglects to control their dog.
Swimming pool accidents are also frequent because of the absence of safety measures or warnings. Security-related problems, such as poor lighting or faulty locks, can produce crimes on the property, thus making the owner liable.
Construction accidents may occur when there is non-compliance with safety rules. By understanding these narratives, you can determine whether you have a claim to pursue.
The Role of a Premises Liability Attorney
A premises liability attorney is an indispensable resource for any individual facing injury cases. They study the manner of injury and ascertain whether a claim exists against the owner of the property.
A lawyer is in charge of collecting evidence, say, photographs, witness statements, and medical records, which shall be used to establish a strong case. They will also be responsible for communicating with insurance companies to protect your rights.
If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your attorney will certainly settle your case in court on your behalf. They know the local laws, so they can arrive at useful insight into how to approach your particular situation effectively.
Steps to Take After an Injury
There are several immediate steps that you might want to take to protect your health and legal rights after getting injured. Seek medical attention right away, even if it seems minor.
Try to keep everything on record. Take pictures of the scene, your wound, and any potential hazards that may have caused the accident. Ask witnesses for their contact information, as their witness statements could potentially serve as evidence in the future.
Inform the property owner or property manager about the incident and ensure that you will also receive a copy of the report. Keep track of your visits to the doctor as well as expenses.
Never discuss the incident on social channels or with various other persons who might testify against you. Consult a premises liability attorney who will counsel you on the next steps to pursue for your case.
How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case
The best way to find an attorney for your premises liability case is to find one who has experience with cases similar to yours.
Check the outcomes of those cases to see if they are competent enough to protect your legal rights. Set up consultations to learn about their methods and plans for your case.
Notice their manner of communication. You want one who listens and explains everything to you.
In terms of their resources, you must also ensure that they have the necessary support staff and experts that can help increase the probability of your case.
Trust your instincts. Find a legal attorney who you truly feel comfortable with, one that cares about you. Making the right choice during this challenging period of your life can significantly impact your situation.
