When you step onto someone else’s property, whether it’s a grocery store, an apartment building, or a friend’s home, you have a legal right to expect that the environment is reasonably safe. If it’s not, and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim. This type of personal injury case holds property owners accountable for failing to maintain a safe space for visitors. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Rockland County personal injury lawyer from 59Law.com to learn more. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Types of Accidents Fall Under Premises Liability?
Premises liability claims can arise in a wide variety of situations. Some of the most common include slip and fall accidents, injuries caused by falling objects, defective staircases, inadequate security that leads to assault, or even dog bites on private property. These cases all share a central theme: someone was injured due to a dangerous or hazardous condition on someone else’s property.
It’s important to understand that not every accident on someone else’s property will qualify. For a valid claim, there typically must be evidence that the property owner knew, or should have reasonably known, about the dangerous condition and failed to address it in a timely manner. For example, if a supermarket employee mops the floor but forgets to post a wet floor sign, and someone slips, the store may be held liable for negligence.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Premises Liability Claim?
Liability often falls on the property owner, but in many cases, other parties may also share responsibility. For instance, if a property is rented, both the landlord and tenant could be liable depending on who had control over the unsafe condition. In commercial properties, management companies, maintenance crews, or even outside contractors might be included in the claim.
Determining who is at fault requires a detailed investigation. Your legal team will review maintenance records, video surveillance, witness statements, and other critical pieces of evidence to build your case. This is where a skilled personal injury lawyer becomes invaluable. Your attorney will identify every potentially liable party and ensure you are not shortchanged by insurance companies looking to settle for less than your case is worth.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
The moments after an accident can be disorienting, but the steps you take are important. First, seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Next, report the incident to the property owner or manager and try to document the scene with photos or videos. If possible, collect contact information from any witnesses.
Then, speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and New York has strict deadlines for filing these types of claims (in most cases, three years, but sometimes, much shorter). We will guide you through the process, from filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and, if necessary, representing you in court.
If you have further questions or would like to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer about your case, simply contact 59Law.com for a free case evaluation today.
