Premises Liability in North Carolina
In North Carolina, premises liability laws are designed to protect people who are injured on another person’s property. These laws place a duty on property owners to keep their premises safe for guests and visitors. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.
Under North Carolina law, there are three categories of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Invitees are people who are invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as customers or delivery people. Licensees are people on the property for their own purposes, such as social guests or repairers. Trespassers are people who enter the property without permission.
Property owners have a duty to keep invitees and licensees safe from foreseeable hazards. They do not have a duty to protect trespassers, except in certain circumstances. For example, property owners cannot intentionally injure trespassers or set traps for them.
Common Premises Liability Cases in Hickory, NC
Here are some accidents that can lead to a personal injury case and compensation:
- Slip and fall accidents in a grocery store or gas station
- Dog bites
- Elevator and escalator accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Fire hazards
- Falling objects
- Hazardous conditions on sidewalks or parking lots
These are just a few accidents that can occur on someone else’s property. While some of these accidents can be just accidents, many result from negligence on the part of the property owner. You should contact a personal injury lawyer at our law firm to discuss your case if you have been injured in an accident on another person’s property.
What to Do If You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property in Hickory, NC
If you are injured on another person’s property, there are some steps you should take to protect your legal rights:
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager.
- Get medical attention for your injuries.
- Do not give a statement to the property owner’s insurance company.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident, if possible.
- Gather witness information.
- Contact an experienced premises liability lawyer.
Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer?
You are not legally required to have a lawyer represent you in a premises liability case. However, many people find they have better results with an experienced lawyer on their side. After an accident, you’ll likely have doctor’s appointments, insurance adjusters calling, and other things to handle, such as taking care of your family or going to work. A lawyer takes that extra stress off of you by handling all of the legal details so you can focus on what matters most, your recovery.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have dedicated over 25 years to fighting for the people of Hickory, NC, in their personal injury cases. We are devoted to our clients and their families.
Our personal injury attorneys work, so you don’t have to. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Hickory Personal Injury Claim?
While a slip and fall in your local grocery store may not cause catastrophic injuries, they impact your life. You may have to miss work, incur medical bills, and suffer pain and suffering. All these impacts have a monetary value, which you can recover in an injury claim.
Compensation in a premises liability case may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
While money isn’t the answer to everything, it can help you and your family get through this difficult time. By pursuing a claim, you can also hold the negligent property owner accountable and help prevent future accidents from happening.
How Much Is My Claim Worth in Hickory, NC?
How much your claim is worth depends on various factors surrounding your case. Some factors to consider include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The length of your recovery time
- The amount of your medical bills
- Whether you missed work and lost wages
- How much the injury impacted your life
To get a better idea of how much your claim may be worth, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at our firm. They can review your case and help you understand what to expect.
How Long Do I Have to File My Claim?
In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your injuries. That’s why it’s important to contact an attorney immediately after your accident.
Contact Our Hickory Premises Liability Lawyers Today
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we understand how overwhelming it can be after an accident. We are here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process and answer any questions you have along the way. Contact us today for an initial free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for your injuries.