Whether you are shopping at a store or visiting a friend, the owner of the property you’re on owes you a duty to warn you about dangerous conditions and protect you from harm. When they fail to meet that duty and you fall or get hit by an object or injured in any way, the property owner or manager may be required to pay you compensation under the theory of premises liability.
The person who owns or controls the premises owes a duty to those they invite onto the property, particularly when those people are invited to benefit the owner in some way. Any time a business is open to the public, they have issued an implied invitation to enter the property.
The Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC helps injured individuals demonstrate that their injuries qualify for recovery based on premises liability. We can help you get the compensation you need to pay for medical bills and lost wages, make up for your suffering, and put you in a position to move forward after your injury.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Injuries of many types of causes can be eligible for damages under premises liability. We have helped victims who suffered from incidents such as:
- Tripping over a hidden hazard
- Slipping on an icy, wet, or slick surface
- Suffering the impact of merchandise falling from a height
- Falling due to lose stair treads or a broken stair railing
- Suffering injuries in an assault or other criminal activity enabled by negligent security
- Falling due to inadequate lighting
- Being attacked by a dog or other animal
Often, premises liability cases are referred to as “slip and fall” cases, but any injury that could have been prevented with proper protection could provide grounds for a premises liability claim.
The Challenge with Premises Liability
To succeed in recovering compensation from the insurance company that insures the property, you need to prove that the owner of the property failed to take appropriate steps to deal with a dangerous condition and that the failure is the direct cause of the injuries. It may be necessary to prove that the owner knew of the condition or that the condition existed for long enough that the owner should reasonably have inspected the premises and learned of the condition.
This can be difficult. It is important to collect evidence as early as possible to show the conditions that lead to the injury. For instance, testimony from a shopper or employee who witnessed a spill or improperly stacked merchandise could prove extremely valuable in supporting the claim. Footage from a security camera could also prove the timing of the condition. Our team can act quickly to preserve footage before it can be erased. We can also handle communications with the insurance company so they cannot trick you into saying something that could be taken out of context and used to deny liability later.
Talk to the Grimmett Law Firm if You’ve Been Injured on Someone Else’s Property
Assistance from a knowledgeable premises liability attorney can make all the difference in the outcome if you have been injured in a slip and fall or other incident. An insurance company might offer a quick settlement, but they usually offer far less than you are entitled to.
At the Grimmett Law Firm, PLLC, we can evaluate your claim based on legal precedent to determine whether you are being offered fair treatment. If we cannot convince the insurer to provide the right settlement, we are ready to prove your case to the judge.
Contact our team today to learn what may be possible in your case and get started with a free case evaluation.