Premises Liability Explained – Advice from a Personal Injury Lawyer

Accidents happen, but many could be prevented with proper safety measures. Whether you’re in a grocery store, a department store, or simply walking by a construction site, the potential for injury is always present. Recently Personal Injury Lawyer David Greene talked to Joe Emer on Studio 10 to explore premises liability and what to do if you find yourself injured on someone else’s property.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability law refers to legal responsibility when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions. It can be a trip and fall accident, a slip and fall accident, or an incident where something falls on you. These accidents can happen anywhere—shopping malls, grocery stores, construction sites, or even hospitals. Essentially, if you are injured on property belonging to someone else, you may have a premises liability case on your hands.

One of the key factors that distinguish premises liability from other types of personal injury cases, such as auto accidents, is that it happens on a property. This could mean a poorly maintained sidewalk, slippery floors in a grocery store, or even hazardous conditions at a construction site.

When Should You Consult a Lawyer?

Knowing when to talk to a lawyer is crucial. Some injuries may seem minor at first but turn out to be more serious over time. One client we had wasn’t immediately aware that her fall at a hospital had left her with a broken leg. This happens far too often. You may be hurt and not realize it. That’s why it is so important to seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer even if you’re unsure about the severity of your injuries.

It’s always a good idea to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. At Greene & Phillips, the initial consultation is free. It doesn’t cost anything to find out if you have a case. Even if you decide not to pursue legal action, getting that expert advice can help you understand your rights.

Gathering Evidence: The Importance of Reporting and Video Footage

In premises liability cases, evidence is key. One of the most common concerns is whether there’s enough proof to show that the property owner was at fault. In many instances, there is video evidence since many stores, malls, and other properties are are equipped with security cameras.

However, it’s important to act quickly. Many of these security systems overwrite their footage after a certain period. Consulting with a lawyer promptly can be important to have those recordings preserved and gathered as evidence. Failing to secure this footage early on could mean losing important proof that would strengthen your case.

In addition to securing video footage, it’s essential to report the incident to the property owner or manager right away. This creates a record that the accident occurred on their property.

What Should You Do after a Premises Injury?

1. Report the Incident

Make sure to notify the property owner or manager about the accident. This creates a formal record of what happened.
With this notification, you are making them aware of the dangerous condition, such as a spill or uneven surface. This helps ensure the store cannot later claim ignorance of the hazard or argue that the fall didn’t happen on their property. Many businesses require an official incident report for any accidents that occur on their premises. This report may include details such as the time, location, and cause of the fall, which can be critical for supporting a personal injury claim later.

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, or you’re not sure if you’ve been injured at all, it’s essential to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. A trip to an urgent care or emergency room provides quick access to healthcare professionals who can assess the situation and treat potential injuries like sprains, fractures, and head. trauma.

3. Document Everything

Photographs of the area where the injury occurred can provide visual evidence of the dangerous condition, such as a wet floor, spilled products, or lack of warning signs. These images can help establish that the property owner may have been negligent in maintaining a safe environment. Conditions at the scene may change quickly. Spillages may be cleaned up, or warning signs could be put in place after the fact. Photos taken immediately after the incident preserve the state of the scene before any alterations are made. Witnesses who saw the incident can provide valuable statements about how the accident occurred and confirm the presence of hazards. Their testimony could strengthen your claim if you decide to pursue legal action. Ask for their contact information in case you later file a personal injury lawsuit.

4. Consult a Lawyer

Contact a local law firm experienced in premises liability cases, such as Greene & Phillips Personal Injury Lawyers. You can stop by our office anytime for a free consultation. You can have an experienced personal injury lawyer explain your legal rights in your circumstance, and whether the firm will be able to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Contacting Greene & Phillips Personal Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greene & Phillips. It never hurts to call a lawyer, just to get some free advice. Fill out a contact form or call/text us at 251-300-2000.

The consultation is 100% free, and we only get paid if we get money for you.