Premises liability is an area of law that deals with the responsibility of property owners and occupiers for injuries that occur on their premises. These injuries can include slip and falls, dog bites, and other types of accidents that result from dangerous conditions on the property. As a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, we have extensive experience in dealing with premises liability cases and helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of premises liability law and explain how it works from a law firm’s perspective.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners and occupiers have for the safety of people who enter their property. This includes residential and commercial properties, as well as public spaces such as parks and sidewalks. Under premises liability law, property owners and occupiers have a duty to keep their property safe and free from hazards that could cause injury to others.
When a property owner or occupier fails to meet this duty and someone is injured as a result, they may be held liable for the injuries and other damages. In order to establish liability in a premises liability case, the injured party must prove that:
- The property owner or occupier had a duty to maintain the property in a safe condition
- The property owner or occupier breached that duty by failing to take reasonable steps to prevent or correct the hazardous condition
- The hazardous condition caused the plaintiff’s injuries
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of their injuries
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
There are many different types of premises liability cases, but some of the most common include:
- Slip and Falls: Slip and fall accidents occur when someone slips or trips on a hazard, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or debris on the ground. Property owners and occupiers are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition and warning visitors of any hazards that may exist.
- Dog Bites: Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from injuring others. If a dog attacks and injures someone, the owner may be held liable for the damages.
- Negligent Security: Property owners and occupiers have a duty to provide adequate security measures to prevent criminal activity on their property. If someone is injured as a result of inadequate security, the property owner may be held liable for the injuries and other damages that result.
- Dangerous Conditions: Property owners and occupiers have a duty to correct any dangerous conditions on their property, such as broken stairs, faulty wiring, or other hazards that could cause injury to others.
How a Law Firm Can Help
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, it is important to seek the help of an experienced premises liability attorney. A law firm that specializes in personal injury cases can help you navigate the complex legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
The first step in a premises liability case is to establish liability. Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence to show that the property owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining their property. This may involve gathering witness statements, reviewing security footage, and consulting with experts in areas such as engineering or safety.
Once liability has been established, your attorney will work to obtain compensation for your injuries and other damages. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses that result from your injuries.
In some cases, premises liability cases may be settled out of court. Your attorney will work with the other party’s attorneys to negotiate a fair settlement that covers your damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial. Your attorney will represent you in court and present your case to a judge or jury.
If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, it is important to seek the help of an experienced premises liability attorney like Williams DeLoatche, P.C. as soon as possible. Premises liability cases can be complex, and the evidence needed to establish liability may be difficult to obtain. Our attorneys can help you gather the necessary evidence, negotiate with the other party’s attorneys, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact the lawyers at Williams Deloatche P.C. at 757-547-5555 today to receive full and just compensation.