As a premises liability law firm Virginia residents recommend can tell you, property owners in Virginia and the surrounding areas are obligated to maintain their premises so that they are safe for guests to enter them and to utilize their buildings and facilities. When a person illegally enters someone else’s property without the property owner’s knowledge, their legal status may dictate the property owner’s duty to that person differently than if the person was a legal guest. A property owner who fails to maintain their property so that it is safe for visitors may be liable in the event that a visitor becomes injured or unwell. There are some situations where a property owner, and in some cases a renter or property manager, may be liable for an illegal visitor’s injuries in the same way they may be liable for an invited guest. Premise liability laws differ from state to state.
To help you determine whether or not your situation warrants compensation from a negligent property owner or manager, contact a lawyer who is licensed to practice in the state you were injured in and who is experienced in successfully defending premise liability injury victims and their family’s rights.
How to Determine Liability
When a person is injured while on somebody else’s property because of the property owner, and in some cases the property manager or renter’s negligence, the injured person may be entitled to compensation. Typically in a personal injury claim or case, if a plaintiff can prove that they were injured, and the injury was the result of another party’s negligence, the property owner (the defendant) may be liable for expenses that are the result of the plaintiff’s injury. While these are typical requirements to get compensation awarded to a premise liability injury victim, these are not always as easy to prove as an injured person and their family might think that they would be. Each person’s case is unique and many things need to be done in order to successfully prove a premise liability personal injury claim. Even though many states have similar laws that govern premise liability claims, many people need the help of an experienced premises liability law firm Virginia is fortunate to have in its midst to help them determine whether or not they have a claim that is worth pursuing.
Property Owner Obligations
In many states a property owner has an obligation to maintain and upkeep their property on a regular basis to ensure the safety of visitors. Private residences and multi-unit complexes, businesses, publicly owned spaces, and government property and buildings, all have an owner whether this is an individual or entity made up of more than one person.
Very often, the obligation of a property owner is greater to an invited guest than it is to a visitor who entered their premises (their outside property included) without their notice.
Common Causes of Premise Liability Injuries
Because a premise liability injury can happen almost anyplace, there are many different causes of injuries that fall under the umbrella of premise liability injuries. Some of these causes include:
- Uneven walking surfaces – loose gravel, debris, potholes, etc.
- Slick surfaces – surfaces that are not properly covered for foot traffic traction
and spills that cause slippery surfaces - Poorly lit areas
- Broken handrails
- Swimming pool accidents
- Damaged and broken stairs
- Snow, ice, and icicle accidents
- Construction site accidents
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Recreation park and facility accidents
- Sporting event accidents
- Violent attacks that occur where there is inadequate security
The above are just a few of the causes of premise liability personal injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured on someone else’s property, discussing your circumstances with a premise liability lawyer in Virginia or who practices in the state that you were injured in, may help you to determine if you may be entitled to compensation.
The law firm of Cohen & Cohen has been protecting the rights of injured people and their families for over 30 years. We are experienced in working with people in situations similar to yours and can use this to help you in this difficult time. A member of our compassionate legal team is available to discuss your situation and to give you a free case evaluation. For a premises liability law firm Virginia premises liability injury victims and their families can count on, contact Cohen & Cohen, today.
