When people visit public places, they have a reasonable expectation of safety. Businesses that are open to the general public, like grocery stores or hardware stores, have a responsibility to make their premises safe for visitors. When they fail to meet that responsibility, they can be held financially liable for the damages they cause. For instance, if you slip on uneven flooring in a grocery store and break your leg, they would be responsible for financial damages to cover medical care and other costs related to the accident. Premises liability is about unsafe conditions on-premises, public or private.
A premises liability lawyer specializes in this specific aspect of the law. When people suffer serious injuries and bring premises liability claims, they partner with the best premises liability lawyers to help them win their case and recover appropriate damages. Premises liability laws are generally the same, but the details that govern them vary between states so it’s essential that you choose premises liability lawyers who are experienced practicing in your specific state.
Here’s what you need to know.
Elements of Premises Liability
A premises liability claim is a civil claim filed by injured victims who determine that the hazardous conditions that caused their injury should have been known to the property owner and addressed. There are 4 specific elements that must be proven for a premises liability claim to be successful. These 4 elements include duty, breach of duty, cause, and damages. Here’s a little more about each.
- Duty – The type of duty owed by the property owner depends on the type of visitor you are. For instance, you may be visiting a friend, shopping at a store, or delivering food to a residence. There is a different level of duty to be reasonably safe owed in each scenario.
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- Breach of Duty – This one can be a little tricky. You must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition that caused your injury and failed to correct it or warn you about it.
- Causation – For causation you must be able to prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries. For instance, if you slip on a wet floor at a grocery store and there is no ‘wet floor’ sign warning you of the danger.
- Damages – To recover financial compensation in a premises liability case, you must be able to prove that you suffered damages. This may come in the form of medical bills, time off from work to heal (lost wages), and more.
Contact Premises Liability Lawyers Immediately
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, either public or private, because of the owner’s negligence, contact the best premises liability lawyers today. Damaging evidence has a habit of magically disappearing very quickly. Do not speak to the property owner or their insurance company before contacting an attorney. They can gather crucial evidence to prove your case before it is magically lost. The right premises liability attorney will fight for your rights as a victim and help you navigate the complexities of the legal system to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
