Accidents can be frightening regardless of the circumstances, but when one involves your child, you may be overwhelmed with fear and despair. If your child was injured on someone else’s property, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and the steps necessary to protect your child’s well-being. To learn more about what you should do in the aftermath of your child’s accident, continue reading and speak with an experienced Middlesex County premises liability attorney today.
What is Premises Liability Law?
Premises liability law is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for visitors. In New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to keep their property free from dangers that could cause injuries. This includes doing regular inspections of the premises to identify potential hazards, performing maintenance to fix issues and maintain proper functioning, posting signs or roping off dangers that cannot be rectified immediately, and more.
Premises liability law applies to homeowners, business owners, government entities, renters, occupants, etc. If a property owner fails to address dangerous conditions, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages.
What Should I Do if My Child Was Injured on Someone Else’s Property in NJ?
New Jersey law generally imposes a higher duty of care on property owners when a child is injured on their premises. Because children generally do not have the same ability as adults to anticipate danger or identify potential hazards, property owners must take extra precautions. Because of this enhanced duty of care, it is easier to hold property owners accountable if your child is injured on someone else’s property.
The first thing you should do as a parent is take your child to be evaluated by a doctor or other professional. Medical attention is crucial to ensure all injuries are identified and treated. Your child’s physical health should be your number one priority.
You should also report the injury to the property owner or manager as soon as possible, and call the police if needed. File an incident report or police report to ensure a record of the accident is created. Take this time, if possible, to document the scene of the accident. Take photos and videos of the area and any hazards that could have contributed to the accident. Gather witness information as well, as eyewitness testimony can be beneficial during a claim or lawsuit.
Next, contact a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights, evaluate whether you have a valid claim, and guide you through the legal process. If you can demonstrate that the property owner was negligent in some way and that their negligence caused the accident, you can recover compensation for your child’s damages. This includes both economic and non-economic losses.
For more information, set up a consultation with a skilled attorney at Stathis & Leonardis, LLC today.
