Your Safety, Our Priority: Fighting For Victims of Negligent Property Owners
Surrounded by crowds of people, you’re pushing toward the stage, excited to hear your favorite band live. You don’t see the loose cable poking out from under a dark mat on the floor. Not only do you miss the rest of the concert, but you’re forced to miss a week of work to treat your broken arm. Or, maybe you’re leaving a friend’s apartment on a dark summer night. You’re walking carefully down the dimly lit stairs when a worn tile suddenly splinters under your step and you lose your center of gravity, cracking your head against a windowsill as you fall. Your night ends in a hospital bed with a traumatic brain injury. Maybe it’s Saturday, and you’re taking your kids to the playground you’ve frequented for years. As you’re watching one of your children climb, the ancient, rusty equipment unexpectedly gives way – leaving your child with a broken arm and deep lacerations from the exposed metal edges.
Premises liability accidents like the above happen more often than most people realize. Every year, thousands of innocent people find themselves in a situation like yours, suffering from the consequences of a wholly preventable accident. Slips and falls alone account for over one million emergency room visits annually – and many go unreported. We understand that between physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial struggles, launching a civil lawsuit can be utterly overwhelming. Whether it’s you or your spouse, child, or grandmother in the emergency room, the immense physical and emotional impact of a property owner’s negligence can challenge your ability to cope with everyday life. Don’t back down. You deserve compensation for your lost wages, your pain, and the trauma you’ve had to undergo, and our lawyers will ensure that both your medical bills and the property owner’s negligence are well paid for.
While negligent property owners and insurance companies look out for their bottom line, our premises liability lawyers will guide you through your case to its conclusion, answer any questions you might have, prevent you from making critical legal mistakes, and fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges you face and are prepared to advocate relentlessly for your interests all the way to the courtroom, if necessary. Don’t let a negligent property owner’s actions delay your recovery – let us help you move forward with the resources you need.
Understanding Premises Liability: Legal Obligations of Property Owners
As a subset of personal injury law, premises liability holds property owners responsible for injuries sustained by individuals on their property or premises due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. Under premises liability law, property owners have a “duty of care” to maintain a safe environment for visitors who enter their premises, whether a private residence, commercial establishment, or public space. If a property owner fails to uphold this duty of care, severe injuries can result. If a visitor is injured by a hazard or unsafe condition on the property that they were not warned about, the owner may be held liable for the victim’s damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
There are three main categories of visitors in premises liability cases, each with a different level of protection under the law:
Invitees – These are individuals such as customers and hotel guests who enter a property both with the owner’s consent and for the mutual benefit of both parties. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, which includes taking reasonable precautions to ensure their safety, maintaining the property, and warning them of any hazards or dangerous conditions.
Licensees – Licensees are people who enter a property with the owner’s consent but for their own benefit. This might include anyone from dinner guests or door-to-door salespeople. Property owners have a duty to warn licensees of any known dangers on the property that may not be obvious, but are not required to inspect and maintain the property to the same extent they would for invitees.
Trespassers – Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without the owner’s consent or knowledge. Property owners have a limited duty of care towards these individuals but are expected to avoid intentionally causing them harm.
In an ideal world, property owners and occupants would take every precaution to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. In reality, properties are neglected far too often, and the people who fail to maintain their premises rarely prioritize the well-being of their victims. At Wettermark Keith, however, your needs will always come first. With over 50 years of combined experience, our lawyers are prepared to handle any scenario. We will communicate with you to understand your needs, take on your legal burdens, and aggressively defend your right to compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered a preventable injury on someone else’s property, don’t wait – call (866) 455-1874 for a free evaluation.
When Navigating Premises Liability Lawsuits, Expertise Matters
Premises liability cases can be complex, requiring a thorough understanding of legal obligations, local and state property and injury laws, and the ability to effectively present evidence. Our experienced premises liability attorneys at Wettermark Keith have the knowledge and resources to navigate these challenging cases on your behalf.
The legal landscape of personal injury law is full of loopholes and pitfalls, and one inexperienced mistake can undermine your case. The opposition is well aware of this. In the aftermath of a premises liability accident, property owners and insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of your injuries – or even shift the blame to you. They’re more concerned with protecting their bottom line than ensuring your recovery.
While navigating the legal landscape of premises liability can be daunting, know that you don’t have to take it on alone. Our firm has seen (and won) cases like yours before. Our attorneys understand the ins and outs of premises liability law and are prepared to use their expertise to defend your rights against those who would prevent you from obtaining the resources you need to recover.
