At CWC, we’re committed to protecting the rights of our neighbors and making sure everyone in our community understands their legal options. One of the most common (and often misunderstood) areas of personal injury law is premises liability. Let’s break it down so you know your rights if you or someone you care about gets hurt on someone else’s property.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. These cases can happen anywhere — at a grocery store, in a parking lot, at a neighbor’s house, or even in public parks. Simply put: if a property owner fails to keep their premises reasonably safe, and you get hurt because of it, they could be held legally responsible.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
You might be surprised at how many everyday situations fall under premises liability. Some of the most common include:
- Slip and falls due to wet floors, uneven sidewalks, or icy steps
- Trip and falls from loose carpeting or cluttered walkways
- Poor lighting that leads to injury
- Negligent security resulting in assault or robbery
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Broken handrails or staircases
What Makes a Case?
Every case is different, but here are a few key things we look for in a premises liability claim:
- A dangerous condition existed on the property
- The property owner knew about it (or should have known) and didn’t fix it in a timely manner
- You were legally on the property (not trespassing)
- You suffered an injury because of the unsafe condition
If all of these apply, you may have a claim. But even if you’re not sure, it’s always worth talking to an attorney to understand your options.
What Should You Do After an Injury?
If you’re hurt on someone else’s property, try to take these steps:
- Report the incident to the property owner or manager right away.
- Take photos of the scene and what caused your injury.
- Get medical attention, even if it seems minor at first.
- Talk to any witnesses and get their contact info.
- Call a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of building a strong case.
We’re Here to Help
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with an injury, especially when it could’ve been prevented. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t wait. Call us today for a free consultation. We’re local, we’re experienced, and we’re committed to helping our neighbors.
Disclaimer
The content provided is for general information purposes only. Please refer to the disclaimer of Carter Wolden Curtis, LLP for more details.