Did you fall down a flight of decrepit steps in an apartment building, slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store, or even suffer a dog bite during a vicious attack while visiting a friend? In each of these cases, you may maintain the right to file a premises liability lawsuit through a property injury lawyer if you were injured.
A premises liability lawsuit involves a personal injury claim made when a person is injured on private property. If a property owner demonstrated negligence that directly led to you sustaining injuries, you should explore filing liability claims with help from a trusted attorney.
Before taking formal action, read about your legal rights and responsibilities in a tort law case like this below.
When To Consider Filing a Lawsuit Against a Property Owner
Consider filing a lawsuit against a property owner if you suspect their negligence may have harmed you. Common examples include injuries that occur on private property during:
- Sidewalk accidents
- Elevator accidents
- Construction accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Amusement park accidents
If you were hurt on someone else’s residential or commercial property, you could have a strong premises liability case on your hands. It’s worth discussing your potential lawsuit with a property injury lawyer. They can shed light on its strength based on the circumstances surrounding your accident.
How a Property Injury Lawyer Can Prove Negligence on the Part of a Property Owner
Not everyone injured on private property can file a successful premises liability lawsuit. To win a case like this, a private property lawyer must prove negligence on the part of a property owner.
While evaluating your case, an attorney will analyze the so-called “four Ds of negligence” to determine its viability. These are as follows:
- Duty of care: The legal obligation a private property owner has to keep their property reasonably safe
- Dereliction of duty: The failure of a private property owner to maintain safe conditions
- Direct causation: The connection between a private property owner’s actions and your injuries
- Damages: The financial losses you experienced due to a private property owner’s actions
Proving the “four Ds of negligence” is often easier said than done. Showing direct causation, in particular, can present formidable challenges.
A knowledgeable property injury lawyer can examine the evidence in your case and showcase the link between a property owner’s actions and your injuries.
Who To Trust To Help With a Premises Liability Lawsuit
Since premises liability cases are typically more complicated than some other personal injury cases, you shouldn’t rely on just any property injury lawyer to represent you. Instead, search for one with experience working on these specific types of lawsuits.
Your lawyer can file a premises liability lawsuit properly and work their way through the settlement negotiation process to try to keep your case out of a courtroom. They can also lead the way if you have to take your case to trial and argue it in front of a judge and jury.
Call Us To Discuss Your Case With a Reliable Property Injury Attorney
Determining whether or not you can sue a private property owner following an accident involving injuries isn’t always easy. A property injury lawyer can take a closer look at your case and see how difficult it will be to prove negligence.
Stewart & Stewart Attorneys can set you up with the legal representation you need when you’re thinking about filing a premises liability lawsuit. Contact us at (317) 537-9616 today to schedule a consultation with an attorney you can count on.