You should not have to worry about being injured on another person’s property. Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents happen all too often. When they do, you need an experienced Hattiesburg, MS premises liability lawyer on your side to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
You Can Count on Our Hattiesburg, Mississippi Premises Liability Attorneys
At Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., we help clients hold negligent property owners responsible for injuries resulting from unsafe conditions. Our Hattiesburg premises liability lawyers are committed to fighting for your maximum compensation.
Although slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, they commonly occur in grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, apartment complexes, and other commercial properties. If you slip and fall on someone else’s property, you may be able to hold the property owner liable for your injuries.
What Is Premises Liability and What Are Its Consequences?
Premises liability is a legal term that comes into play in personal injury claims when the harm was caused by a hazardous condition on the property of another individual or entity. Premises liability cases, like most personal injury lawsuits, are based on negligence. The injured person must show that the property owner was negligent and that his or her damage was caused by such negligence. Dangerous property conditions can cause slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, dog bites, swimming pool injuries, and more.
Are you wondering if you have a slip and fall claim? Consider the following:
- Did the property owner know or should they have known about the dangerous condition?
- Did the property owner fail to take reasonable steps to fix the hazard?
- Did the property owner fail to warn visitors about the dangerous condition?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a slip and fall claim.
Different Types of Premises Liability Cases
In Mississippi, all public and private property owners have a duty to make sure their premises are safe for visitors, guests, and customers. This includes, but is not limited to, having dry floors, well-maintained parking lots, handrails for stairs, adequate security, and proper lighting.
Floors
One of the most common premises liability cases we handle is slip and fall accidents on wet floors. Grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and other businesses are required to clean up spills promptly and place warning signs around the area. If they fail to do so and you slip and fall, you may be able to hold them liable for medical bills, lost wages, and even emotional distress.
Sidewalks and Parking Lots
Another common type of premises liability case we see is trip and fall accidents on uneven or cracked sidewalks and parking lot pavement. Businesses and municipalities are responsible for maintaining safe sidewalks and parking lots. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable if you are injured in a fall.
Handrails
Property owners are also responsible for maintaining safe stairways. This includes making sure handrails are securely attached and in good repair. If you slip and fall down a flight of stairs because of an unsafe condition, the property owner may be held liable.
Lighting
Our slip and fall attorneys also handle cases involving insufficient lighting. Poor lighting can create a variety of hazards, including slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. If you are injured on someone else’s property because of inadequate lighting, they may be held liable.
We handle all types of premises liability claims in Hattiesburg, MS, including:
- Slips and falls
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Negligent security
- Fires
- Porch or stair collapse
- Elevator defects
- Construction site accidents
- Parking lot defects
- Uneven or cracked sidewalks
- Lack of handrails
- Loose carpeting or flooring
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim
Successfully filing a claim against a property owner for your injuries requires more than showing you were injured on their property. You must prove that your injuries were a direct result of the owner’s negligence — that they failed to warn you about hazards on their property that they knew or should have known about. For example, if you slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store, the store may be liable if they knew and didn’t put up a warning sign or didn’t try to clean up the wet floor. This can be a difficult task, so we recommend that you have a skilled personal injury team guide you step-by-step through the process of filing a claim.
At Richard Schwartz, we will collect evidence, such as surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, maintenance records, and more, to prove your injury claim. Once we have a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible, our personal injury lawyers will take action to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why You’ll Need the Assistance of a Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
When you slip and fall on someone else’s property, it can be a very confusing and overwhelming experience. You may be wondering if you have a case against the property owner, how to pay for medical expenses, and if you will ever be able to return to work. The last thing you should have to worry about is whether or not you can prove your injury claim. Slip and fall lawyers at Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A. have years of experience handling all types of premises liability claims in Hattiesburg, MS. We will fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve so that you can focus on your recovery.
Coverage for Your Injuries
If you are injured on someone else’s property, there are a few different types of coverage that may be available to help pay for your medical bills and other damages. The first is through the property owner’s general liability insurance policy. This is a type of insurance that all business owners are required to have.
Another type of coverage for your injuries is through your own homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence. You will want to check with your insurance company to see if your coverage is available to you. This type of coverage could potentially help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Types of Premises Liability Trauma
Cases involving an accident on another’s property can result in a variety of injuries, some of which may be serious or even life-threatening. Serious injuries may include:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Head, back, and neck injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Brain injuries
If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. After you have received treatment for your injuries, you should contact a premises liability lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Consult with Our Experienced Legal Firm in Hattiesburg, MS Today
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, you can count on the lawyers at Richard Schwartz & Associates to provide you with an effective strategy to help you obtain a fair settlement, no matter your legal needs or personal injury claim. We have already successfully resolved tens of thousands of cases, with millions of dollars recovered. Our slip and fall lawyers have what it takes to protect your rights and interests.
Contact us for a FREE case evaluation and rest at ease knowing we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay a dime until we win your case. Our Hattiesburg personal injury lawyers will handle all the legal issues and minutiae of your individual case. You focus on healing and moving forward with your life. Call us today at 601-988-8888.