TYPES OF PREMISES LIABILITY CASES WE HANDLE

Because there are so many types of premises liability cases (and the laws vary from state to state), it can be difficult to determine whether you have a case. Our team at Potts Law Firm is happy to evaluate your situation for free and walk you through how we can help.

Our premises liability attorneys can represent you in many types of claims, including those involving:

• Slip and Falls: These kinds of accidents can be common in commercial spaces, including grocery stores, shopping malls, and amusement parks. A spill or lack of maintenance can cause slick or uneven flooring that visitors may not be aware of. Property owners should monitor their facilities and take prompt action when they encounter hazards known to cause slip and falls. If a property owner is not able to immediately resolve the issue, they may be able to avoid liability by placing clear, visible warning signage. To win a slip and fall case, you must prove the property owner knew (or should have reasonably known) about the dangerous condition that caused the accident yet failed to fix it or warn you about it.
• Dog Bites: Each state has its own rules governing dog bites. Many states operate under the “one bite” rule, meaning a dog owner is only liable for an animal attack if their pet previously bit or attacked someone (meaning they knew there was a chance the dog could act aggressively but failed to take any preventative action). In other states, any dog bite could trigger liability, even if the animal had never shown signs of aggressiveness in the past. In either scenario, the dog owner is generally only liable if the victim was attacked on public property (such as a park or sidewalk) or on private property where the victim had permission to be. A dog owner also might not be liable if the victim was provoking the dog or trespassing.
• Swimming Pool Accidents: Swimming pools can be inherently dangerous for people who are not strong swimmers – particularly children, who do not recognize the hazard. Swimming pools are typically considered “attractive nuisances,” meaning owners must take steps to secure them when they are not available to oversee the pool’s activities. Each state has its own rules regulating the securing of swimming pools. An owner could become liable if their failure to follow the applicable rules results in a child (or potentially an adult) drowning or becoming injured in their pool.
• Inadequate Security: If a property owner does not provide sufficient security to maintain a safe environment for guests, customers, and/or tenants, then the owner may be liable for injuries that occur due to foreseeable and preventable crimes. For example, say a tenant is robbed at their apartment building. The building’s owner, now aware that crime is occurring in the area, should take steps to implement additional security measures. Examples include installing locked gates or hiring security officers. If they fail to take these precautions and another crime occurs, they may be found liable for the resulting damages.

WHAT DAMAGES CAN I RECOVER IN A PREMISES LIABILITY LAWSUIT?

Premises liability claims are subject to statutes of limitations. Each state sets a time limit for how long after the accident a victim has to file a lawsuit. You cannot recover anything if you miss your state’s deadline, so it is in your best interest to get legal advice right away.

Our premises liability lawyers can fight to get you compensation for all accident-related losses, including:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Reduced Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Pain and Suffering
• Mental Anguish
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life