Premises Liability Laws in North Carolina
Premises liability is the legal theory that holds property owners responsible for injuries suffered by visitors on their property. Under North Carolina law, there are three categories of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers.
An invitee is invited onto the property for the benefit of the owner or occupier, such as a customer at a store. A licensee is allowed on the property for their own benefit, such as a social guest. A trespasser is someone who is not authorized to be on the property.
To recover damages in a premises liability case, the plaintiff must prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent. This means they failed to use reasonable care to keep their property safe for visitors. The plaintiff must also prove that this negligence caused their injuries.
How to Prove Negligence in a Charlotte Premises Liability Claim
To prove that the property owner was negligent, you will need to show that they knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it. You can do this with evidence such as:
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photographs or videos of the hazard
- Maintenance records
- Prior incident reports
To prove that you suffered injuries as a result of their negligence, you may need:
- Medical records
- Receipts for medical treatment
- Lost wages documentation
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the property owner. Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today to learn more about your legal options.
Examples of Property Owner Neglect
There are many ways that a property owner or occupier can be negligent. Some common examples include:
- Failing to warn visitors of potential hazards on the property
- Failing to repair known risks on the property
- Failing to maintain the property properly
- Creating hazardous conditions on the property
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Charlotte
There are many different types of premises liability cases. Some common examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites
- Fire hazards
- Exposure to hazardous substances
Recovering Compensation For Your Injuries
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. These damages can include:
Compensation for Medical Expenses
You may be able to recover compensation for all of your past and future medical expenses related to your injuries. This can include:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Medication
Compensation for Lost Wages
If you have been injured, you may also be able to recover compensation for any wages you have lost due to your injuries. This can include:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Lost earning capacity if you are unable to return to work or can only return to work in a limited capacity
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
You may also be able to recover compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced due to your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in Charlotte, NC
It is important to note that there is a statute of limitations for premises liability claims in North Carolina. This means you only have a certain amount of time to file your lawsuit. Therefore, you may be barred from recovery if you do not file your lawsuit within this timeframe.
The statute of limitations for most premises liability cases in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, it is important to speak with a Charlotte premises liability attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor: Experienced Charlotte Premises Liability Attorneys
The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is a Charlotte, NC, personal injury law firm with over 25 years of experience handling premises liability cases. We have a proven track record of success and are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights. If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Charlotte, NC.
The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is a Charlotte, NC, personal injury law firm with over 25 years of experience handling premises liability cases. We have a proven track record of success and are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights. If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
