The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Premises Liability and How to Choose the Best Lawyer to Represent You
39.5 million Americans visit their doctor each year as a result of an accidental injury. Many of these injuries are the result of the negligence of a property owner and can be prevented.
If you or a family member were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be eligible for compensation.
Keep reading to learn more about premises liability cases, why you need an attorney, and how to find the best one for you.
What is Premises Liability?
If you are injured on someone else’s property and you believe your injury was caused by the property owner’s negligence, you might have a premises liability case. Premises liability is the legal responsibility that a property owner or operator might have if you are injured due to unsafe conditions on their property.
Premises liability cases can occur just about anywhere, whether in a structure or an open space. Common examples of these cases include slip and fall accidents, swimming pool accidents, accidents at construction sites, animal bites, injuries from falling equipment, and even criminal attacks resulting from inadequate security.
Making a Premises Liability Claim
In order to pursue a premises liability case, the injured party must usually prove four things. Keep in mind that the elements of this type of case can vary based on jurisdiction, so it’s important to double-check the laws in the state in which the injury occurred.
The first thing that must be proven is that the defendant either owned, leased, or occupied the property.
Second, the injured party must prove that the defendant was negligent in the manner in which they used, maintained, operated, or ran the property.
Third, the injured party must prove that they were injured.
Finally, the injured party must prove that they were injured as a result of the defendant’s negligence.
Why You Need an Attorney
Most people who are involved in premises liability accidents don’t have the legal experience or the resources to pursue a claim on their own. Navigating the process can be overwhelming, and even more so if a sustained injury has resulted in substantial medical bills and an inability to work.
Insurance companies prey on these types of claimants and never have their best interests in mind. Injured parties can feel significant pressure to accept an early settlement offer that does not provide sufficient compensation for their injuries.
If you have a premises liability case and want to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, you will need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Only then you can rest assured that you are getting the compensation you deserve.
What a Premises Liability Attorney Can Do For You
Premises liability cases can be particularly complex. What you don’t want is a general practice attorney who lacks experience with these types of cases. Only an attorney who is dedicated to personal injury clients will know how to handle your case and recover the maximum possible compensation.
An experienced premises liability attorney will know exactly what needs to be done to make your case. Your attorney will take on the responsibility of gathering all necessary evidence to make your case, take statements from witnesses, collect accident reports and video surveillance, and photograph the accident scene.
In addition, your attorney will collect your medical records and accurately calculate the total damages you have incurred as a result of your injury. This will allow them to negotiate with all involved parties in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
Finally, if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take your case into litigation by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
How to Choose the Best Personal Injury Attorney
There are several factors to consider in choosing the right personal injury attorney for your case.
Most importantly, you should look for an attorney with extensive premises liability experience. Don’t be afraid to ask potential candidates how much experience they have handling cases like yours.
You should also consider the reputation of your candidates. Have they been in trouble with the bar? How are their online reviews? Consider asking friends, family members, and colleagues if they have any related insights or recommendations.
You should also look for an attorney that you personally connect with. The best attorney will not only take your case very seriously, but they will be empathetic to your suffering. They should make you feel that they know what your going through and care about your rights, not just their potential paycheck. If you don’t feel a connection with an attorney, keep looking.
Most law firms, including Reasonover Law, offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that they never charge you unless your case is won. Once your case has been settled, they will get a percentage of the settlement in addition to having their expenses reimbursed.
Do You Think You Have a Premises Liability Case?
If you were injured on someone else’s property and you think the injury may have been the result of the property owner’s negligence, you might have a premises liability case and be entitled to compensation.
Premises liability cases can be complicated, which is why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help prove your case. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. We are here for you.
Click here to get started with a free case evaluation.