When you are injured on someone else’s property, this may mean that you have a premises liability case. When you are invited to someone else’s property, you should have a reasonable expectation that they will have their property maintained and taken care of. This means that even if there are dangerous areas of the property (construction work, a spill on the floor, or a broken handrail) the owner of the property will, at a minimum, have signs to warn people that these areas are not safe to walk on.
Who am I able to file a case against?
Many people think that a premises liability case is something you file against a business owner when you go into their store. However, you can file a claim against someone who owns private property as well. This could be if you go to a friend’s house or visit someone’s home office. An attorney, like a personal injury lawyer from a law firm like David & Philpot, P.L. understands that if you were at a friend’s house or on their property when you became injured that it may feel awkward to file a claim. Most people would say “I don’t want to sue my friend or family member!” It is important to remember that if you are bringing a legal suit forward it is not directly against your friend or family member but their insurance agent.
What happens if someone else injures me on a person’s property?
This will typically depend on the circumstances surrounding how you were injured. Clearly, if someone else intentionally brings you harm, this is when you would want to seek out an attorney’s help to hold them legally responsible. However, the property owner may be partially responsible as well. A common example would be an apartment owner. If the walkway to your apartment was not well-lit or someone broke into your apartment after you told your landlord the windows were broken, you may have what you need for a premises liability claim. In these scenarios, the property owner has a responsibility to ensure your building is safe to live in.
Damages
Depending on your injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Economic losses
- Past and future lost wages
- Medical bills
- Punitive damages
Get Help When You Need It
If you are considering filing a premises liability claim, consider reaching out to a local attorney to see how they can help you. You should be able to feel safe when you are invited onto someone’s property.