You expect to be safe when you visit stores, amusement parks, or friends’ houses. Premises liability law protects you if you’re injured because a property owner was negligent, meaning they didn’t take reasonable steps to ensure their property was safe.
If you were hurt because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our Fresno premises liability lawyers are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you get the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Premises Liability
Premises liability cases can arise from many different scenarios, all of which involve injuries caused by unsafe conditions on someone else’s property. Here are some common examples:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: These accidents often occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, potholes, inadequate lighting, or debris left in walkways. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises and to warn visitors of any of these hazards.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: The “attractive nuisance” doctrine recognizes that pools can be especially alluring to children, making it crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Property owners with swimming pools have a heightened responsibility to ensure safety by installing proper fencing and posting clear warning signs.
- Negligent Security: Property owners, particularly those of commercial establishments, must provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable crimes. This may include security guards, surveillance cameras, proper lighting, and well-maintained locks.
- Dog Bites: Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never displayed aggression before. Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from biting and to warn others about it.
- Fire Hazards: Property owners must adhere to fire codes and regulations to prevent fires and ensure safe evacuation in an emergency. This includes maintaining fire alarms, extinguishers, and clear exit routes.
- Exposure to Toxic Substances: Property owners can also be held liable for injuries caused by exposure to hazardous substances on their properties, such as asbestos, lead paint, mold, or chemicals.
These are just a few examples of the many scenarios that can lead to a premises liability claim in Fresno. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it’s important to document the accident scene and your injuries, seek medical attention, and consult with an experienced premises liability attorney to determine if you have a valid claim.
Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some minor and others life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Broken Bones (Fractures): These are often caused by falls, especially in slip-and-fall accidents or incidents involving stairs or escalators.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: These include sprains, strains, and contusions, which can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes can occur due to falls, contact with sharp objects, or debris.
- Burns: These can result from fires, exposure to hot surfaces, or chemical spills.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, resulting in cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life.
Some injuries can require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, leading to substantial medical bills and lost wages from needing to take time off work. In severe cases, the injuries may be permanent, causing lifelong disability and pain.
Compensation for Premises Liability Injuries
If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all costs associated with your medical treatment, including hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for your current and future lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries have diminished your ability to enjoy activities you once loved, you may be able to recover damages for this loss.
- Disability and Disfigurement: If your injuries have resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to compensation for the impact on your life.
The amount of compensation you can recover after an injury on someone else’s property depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the specific circumstances of your case. Our experienced Fresno premises liability lawyers will carefully evaluate your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Choose Our Fresno Premises Liability Lawyers
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The experienced Fresno premises liability attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers are here to help. We understand the complexities of premises liability law and have a proven track record of success in securing compensation for our clients.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court. We’re committed to providing personalized attention and aggressive advocacy to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Don’t let a premises liability injury derail your life. Contact Berg Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. And with our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing.
