Property owners have a responsibility to ensure visitors remain safe and unharmed. In the event a preventable hazard causes an injury, the negligent party can be held accountable for the damages incurred by the victim. If you’ve been hurt in a public space or on an individual’s property, you may have grounds to take legal action. Our premises liability lawyers can help you determine what steps to take to receive compensation for what you’ve been through.
Premises liability comes into play in personal injury cases where an unsafe condition on someone’s property brings harm to another person. Most cases are based on negligence, meaning it has to be proven that the property owner failed to use reasonable care when managing the property. These cases, depending on the circumstances, can be rather complex. If you find yourself in a similar situation, an attorney from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC can help.
Common Premises Liability Claims
Various incidents and accidents can lead to premises liability claims. However, there are some types that are more common. Let’s take a look at why many claims are filed.
- Slip and Fall Accidents. Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere. A homeowner may neglect to clear their walkway of ice and snow, or a restaurant employee could neglect to clean up a spill.
- Dog Bites. Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their animals do not harm anyone. Serious bites can lead to infection, scarring, or disfigurement.
- Toxic Exposure. Exposure to lead paint or asbestos can lead to detrimental illnesses.
- Fires. Improper wiring can quickly lead to a fire. A person is more likely to be injured if there is a lack of emergency exits or no working fire extinguishers.
- Elevator or Escalator Accidents. If not maintained properly, an elevator or escalator accident could occur because of faulty doors, falling ceiling panels, missing step panels, or faulty side rails.
Premises liability claims can be filed for other types of accidents, as well. If your incident isn’t listed above, you may still qualify for compensation. Reach out to our Jackson, Mississippi lawyers to learn more about your options.
Injuries Associated With Premises Liability
Unsafe property conditions can range greatly in severity, as we discussed, from a torn carpet or icy sidewalk to electrical hazards or toxic exposures. Because of this, the injuries also vary. While some injuries may be treatable with a single hospital visit, others may require surgeries or extensive physical therapy. The most extreme injuries may require a lifetime of medical care and treatment or result in a wrongful death.
The most common types of premises liability injuries include:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Electric shocks
- Illnesses related to toxic chemical exposure
If you’re looking for compensation to cover the cost of extensive medical expenses after an injury, our premises liability attorneys in Jackson are prepared to represent you.
What to Do if You’ve Been Injured on Someone’s Property
As we’ve discussed, property owners have a responsibility to ensure people are protected from unreasonable harm while on their property. While sustaining an injury can be stressful, if you’ve been injured on someone’s property, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of healing and recovering monetary damages.
- Seek Medical Attention. Immediately seeking medical attention is imperative. While some injuries are visible, there are others that may not manifest symptoms for weeks or months. Getting examined and treated by a medical professional right away will aid in your recovery and give you an accurate record of the injuries you sustained.
- Take Photographs. It’s best to try to take photographs of the scene while things are still in the same place and condition of your accident. The pictures will help prove the existence of the dangerous condition.
- Collect Additional Evidence. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, you may be able to speak to witnesses. Ask them to recall your accident in as much detail as possible. You may also want to preserve evidence like the clothes or shoes you were wearing.
- File a Police Report. If the incident happened at a place of business, inform the owner or manager and file a report with local law enforcement. Your attorney will be able to review the report when it’s needed.
- Preserve Expense Records. Keep track of all the money you’ve spent on your injuries after the incident. This could include medical bills, transportation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses like medication or medical equipment.
- Contact an Experienced Lawyer. Following your accident, you may be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company or attorney. You may be asked to sign a release or be presented with a settlement offer. It’s imperative to contact an attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Avoid signing anything until you’ve spoken with your own lawyer.
Seek Legal Representation From Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC
To determine liability after an accident, your lawyer will seek to prove:
- The relationship between the property owner and injured party
- The duty the owner owed to the injured party
- How the duty was breached
If you’ve been injured as a result of the actions or inactions of a property owner, our Jackson premises liability lawyer can review your case with you and discuss your legal rights and options. We have extensive experience recovering compensation for our clients for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you’re ready to take action, contact our firm today.
