What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability law is the legal doctrine that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property caused by hidden dangers that the property owner knew about or should have known about. This includes both public and private property. To hold a property owner liable, you must prove that they were negligent in some way.
For example, if you were injured in a slip and fall accident, you would need to show that the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and did not take steps to fix or correct it.
Accidents That Can Lead to Premises Liability Claims in Concord, NC
Many different types of accidents can lead to premises liability claims. Some common examples include:
Falling Objects
We’ve all walked on the sidewalk and seen a loose brick or piece of debris. While most of us would avoid the object, sometimes we can’t see it in time and get hit by it. This could also happen in a retail or grocery store if items are not properly shelved.
Slip and Fall Accidents
This is one of the most common types of premises liability cases. It can happen anywhere, but some common places are parking lots, sidewalks, grocery stores, and office buildings.
Inadequate Maintenance
If a property owner does not properly maintain their property, it can create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. For example, if a staircase is not adequately maintained and someone falls and is injured, the property owner may be liable.
Dog Bites
We all like to think of dogs as friendly, loyal companions. But sometimes, even the friendliest dog can bite. In North Carolina, dog owners may be strictly liable for any injuries their dog causes, depending on the type of dog. This means that even if the dog has never shown any aggression, the owner can still be held responsible if it bites someone if it is known to be a dangerous breed.
Other Common Cases
Many other types of accidents can lead to premises liability claims. Some other examples include:
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Fire and smoke injuries
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Explosions
If you have been injured in any type of accident on someone else’s property, it’s important to speak with a lawyer about your legal options. The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor team has extensive experience handling these cases, and we would be happy to help you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File My Claim in North Carolina?
Like other states, North Carolina has a statute of limitations for all personal injury claims. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for these cases is usually three years from the date of the accident. This means you have a certain amount of time to file your claim, or you will be barred from doing so.
Three years may seem like a long time, but the time after an injury can speed by quickly, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills and missed time from work. That’s why it’s important to speak with a Concord personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The sooner we can get started on your case, the better.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Concord Premises Liability Claim
One of the most common questions from potential clients is, “What and how much can I recover in my claim?” The answer to this question depends on the facts of your case. In general, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The amount of compensation you can recover will also depend on the severity of your injuries. For example, someone who suffers a broken bone in a slip and fall accident will likely recover more than someone who only sustains minor cuts and bruises.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Most personal injury claims settle before going to court. This means that the injured person and the at-fault party agree on the compensation to be paid. However, sometimes these cases do go to trial. If your case goes to court, our Concord personal injury lawyers have the resources and finances necessary to try your case.
Steps to Take Immediately After Your Accident
We leave our house every day, not knowing what will happen. But even though we can’t predict the future, there are some things we can do to protect ourselves in case something does happen. If you’re involved in an accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Get medical attention: This should be your priority after an accident. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not present until days or weeks after the accident.
- Gather evidence: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene and get any witnesses’ contact information. This will be important when it comes time to file your claim.
- Speak to a lawyer: Once you’ve taken care of your medical needs, the next step is to speak with a Concord personal injury lawyer about your case. Our team can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Premises Liability Lawyers in Concord, North Carolina
Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today if you have been injured on someone else’s property. We will review your case and help you determine the best course of action. We understand the physical and emotional toll these accidents can take on victims and their families, and we will do everything we can to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
