When property owners invite people onto their property, there is some assumption that the area is going to be safe for guests. The property owners do actually have a responsibility to prevent accidents, like slips and falls. If you got hurt on someone else’s property and you believe that it was due to their negligence, then you may have a personal injury case to pursue. A Middlesex County slip and fall accident attorney can help you file a claim and fight for compensation.
What Do Property Owners Need to Do to Keep Guests Safe?
Accidents can happen, but property owners do have a responsibility to make their land, home, or business as safe as possible for guests. This means that they need to be ready to deal with obvious hazards. Failing that, they need to warn people who they invite onto the property about anything that could cause a fall and serious injuries.
What Are Some Common Reasons For Falls?
Many potential hazards can cause people to fall on someone else’s property and get hurt. Some common problems include:
- Poor lighting
- Broken or nonexistent handrails
- Damaged steps
- Wet and slippery floors
- Clutter or debris from construction
- Exposed cables and wires
When property owners know about these kinds of hazards, they have some responsibilities. If they cannot fix the dangerous conditions right away, placing a sign up or otherwise drawing people away from the hazard is a good option. A property owner who makes no effort to address a dangerous situation on their own property should be held responsible when someone gets hurt.
What Happens When the Property Owners Are the Government?
In most slip and fall cases, victims have two years to sue for damages. This is the statute of limitations. Bring a case to court after that point and it’s likely to be thrown out no matter how much evidence you have.
Things work differently if the property you hurt yourself on is owned by the government though. You must file a claim within 90 days, letting the city, municipality, or town know that you are planning to sue for compensation. If you do not make this claim in a timely manner, your case is not going to continue.
Do I Need an Attorney?
Having an attorney on your side can make it easier to pursue damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you build a more convincing case. They are also likely to have more experience negotiating with insurance companies than you do. They can help you calculate fair compensation and then help you fight for the best possible offer.
Contact Our Law Firm
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, we may be able to help. Contact Stathis & Leonardis to schedule a free case consultation. We can take a closer look at your situation, answer your questions, and tell you more about how a personal injury attorney can be of assistance.
