Richmond Premises Liability Lawyer
Imagine navigating through your favorite warehouse store to stock up on staples for your pantry, when suddenly your oversized shopping cart taps the edge of the towering shelving. Unbeknownst to you, a huge box of toilet tissue teetering on the uppermost shelf is shaken loose and falls 20 feet onto your head, throwing you to the floor.
Should they stick you with paying your own accident-related medical bills?
No.
Business owners owe a legal duty to customers to ensure their property is reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, and you get injured, you deserve compensation. Contac an experienced Richmond premises liability lawyer from Allen & Allen. We want to hear your story and discuss how we can handle your claim on your behalf so you can concentrate on your recovery. We are committed to making your fight our fight. And we won’t stop fighting until we recover the compensation you deserve.
Richmond Premises Liability Guide
- Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Premises Liability Case?
- How Much Does a Premises Liability Attorney Cost?
- What is Premises Liability?
- Do I have a Premises Liability Case?
- Common Types of Premises Liability Hazards
- Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
- What Damages Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
- How Can a Lawyer from Allen & Allen Help with My Premises Liability Claim?
- Contact the Richmond Premises Liability Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
Why Choose Allen & Allen for Your Premises Liability Case?
Throughout our 100-plus-year history, the personal injury lawyers at Allen & Allen have handled a variety of accident claims, including premises liability cases. Through the decades, we have held firm to the values that have guided us since 1910—integrity, respect, compassion, and trust. When you retain our services, you get a law firm committed to ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
We understand that the hours, days, and weeks after an accident can weigh heavily on the accident victim and their family. Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially if you cannot work while recovering from your injuries.
You shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of an accident caused due to the negligence of another party.
Our lawyers have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for our clients harmed by another person or party’s negligent or careless actions. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation, and let us explain how we can help you through this difficult time.
How Much Does a Premises Liability Attorney Cost?
In the aftermath of an accident, you and your family may feel overwhelmed with all the medical treatments and expenses that result. At Allen & Allen, we aim to ease your burden. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are paid through the compensation we recover for you. You pay no upfront costs and even our initial consultation to discuss your case is free.
When you hire a lawyer to handle your claim, we work to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. Studies by the Insurance Research Council show that people who hire experienced personal injury lawyers for their claims recover about 40% more than people who do not use a lawyer. That means, even after we are paid, you pocket more money than you would without an attorney—money you and your family need following an accident.
Contact us today for your free consultation, and we’ll be happy to explain how our contingency fee arrangement works.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries and accidents that occur on their property. This area of law is a subset of personal injury law and is based on the principle that those who own or control property have a duty to maintain a safe environment for individuals who enter the premises.
Premises liability cases typically involve a person who has been injured or suffered harm while on someone else’s property, and they claim that the property owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining or securing the premises, which led to the injury.
Some common standards of care owed by property owners in premises liability cases include:
- Duty of Care: Property owners or occupiers generally have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, warn visitors of known hazards, and take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable accidents.
- Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers: The legal status of the visitor (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) can impact the duty of care owed by the property owner. Invitees (such as customers) typically receive the highest level of care, while trespassers receive the least.
- Proving Negligence: To succeed in a premises liability case, the injured party must typically prove that the property owner or occupier negligence directly led to the injury.
Do I have a Premises Liability Case?
In Virginia premises liability law, the legal status of individuals who enter another person’s property—whether they are trespassers, licensees, or invitees—can affect the duty of care owed by the property owner or occupier.
Here’s an explanation of the differences between these categories:
Trespassers
Trespassers enter another person’s property without permission or legal right to do so. In Virginia, property owners owe the lowest duty of care to trespassers. They are generally only required to refrain from intentionally harming trespassers and, in some cases, from engaging in gross negligence.
Property owners have no duty to actively make their property safe for trespassers, and they are not obligated to warn them of potential hazards.
Licensees
Licensees enter a property with the owner’s permission but for their own purposes rather than for the benefit of the property owner. This category includes social guests and people like salespeople or solicitors who have implied or express permission to be on the property.
Property owners in Virginia owe a moderate duty of care to licensees. They are required to warn licensees of known, hidden dangers that the licensee is unlikely to discover on their own.
Invitees
Invitees are invited onto a property for the benefit of the property owner. This category includes customers in a store or clients visiting a business.
Property owners in Virginia owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must take reasonable steps to ensure that the property is safe and free from hazards. This includes conducting regular inspections, making necessary repairs, and warning invitees of any known dangers.
Common Types of Premises Liability Hazards
Several types of hazards can lead to premises liability claims, including:
- Negligent security
- Slip and fall hazards
- Dog bite attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Drownings
- Hotel issues
- Restaurant liabilities
- Retail store or business liabilities
- Falling products
- Water leaks or flooding leading to inundation
- Wet or slippery floors
- Defective or dangerous playground equipment
- Elevator and escalator injuries
- Electrocution and electric shock injuries
- Toxic fumes
- Stair, patio, balcony or porch collapses
- Unstable infrastructure, including stairwells, walls, or ceilings
- Issues related to poor property maintenance
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
In a premises liability claim, you may hold various parties liable depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Potential defendants in such cases may include:
Property Owners
Property owners, whether they are individuals, businesses, or government entities, are often the primary parties held liable in premises liability claims. They have a duty to maintain their property in a safe condition and you may hold them responsible for injuries that occur due to their negligence.
Property Occupiers
In cases where a person or entity is in possession or control of the property (such as a tenant in a rental property or a business operating on the premises), you may hold the occupier liable if they bear responsibility for the unsafe conditions that led to an injury.
Property Managers or Landlords
You may hold landlords and property management companies liable if they failed to maintain the property or address safety issues that led to an injury.
Businesses and Commercial Establishments
You may hold owners and operators of businesses and commercial establishments liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their premises, such as slip and fall accidents in a store or restaurant.
Government Entities
When injuries occur on public property or government-owned facilities, such as sidewalks, parks, or government buildings, you may hold government entities liable.
Claims against government entities often involve complex legal requirements and limitations, so consult an attorney with experience in these cases.
Contractors and Maintenance Companies
If a premises liability incident occurs due to inadequate maintenance or repair work performed by a contractor or maintenance company, you may hold them liable.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
Premises liability victims who succeed in their claims may recover damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the injuries sustained on the property. It can cover hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, medication, rehabilitation, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Income: If the injury resulted in lost income or a decreased earning capacity, victims may recover compensation for the income they were unable to earn due to the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This is a non-economic damage that covers the physical and emotional pain and suffering experienced due to the injury. It includes mental anguish, stress, anxiety, and the overall impact of the injury on one’s quality of life.
- Property Damage: In some cases, the incident may damage personal property. Victims may recover compensation for the repair or replacement of their property.
- Disfigurement or Scarring: If the injury results in permanent disfigurement or scarring, victims may receive compensation for the physical and emotional effects of these lasting changes to their appearance.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where a person’s injury significantly affects their relationship with a spouse or family member, the injured person’s family may recover compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
If you are in a premises liability claim, consult our experienced personal injury attorney who can determine what damages you may receive and guide you through the legal process to pursue those damages.
How Can a Lawyer from Allen & Allen Help with My Premises Liability Claim?
A premises liability lawyer from Allen & Allen can play a critical role in helping you with your case in several ways:
Legal Advice
Our personal injury lawyers understand the relevant laws, regulations, and legal precedents involved in premises liability claims. We can assess the strength of your case and provide valuable legal advice.
Investigation
Your attorney can thoroughly investigate the incident, collect evidence, talk to witnesses, and preserve critical information that can support your claim. We may work with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to strengthen your case.
Establishing Liability
Your lawyer can determine who you can hold liable for your injuries. This involves identifying the responsible party or parties and establishing their negligence in maintaining a safe environment.
Calculating Damages
Your lawyer can assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. They can seek appropriate compensation for your losses.
Negotiation
Many premises liability cases resolve through negotiation with the responsible party’s insurance company. Your lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement that covers your losses.
Litigation
If the responsible party refuses to accept liability or a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We will present your case to a judge and jury, arguing for the compensation you deserve.
Advising on Legal Strategy
Your lawyer will explain your legal options and develop a strategy tailored to your case. We can advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial.
Statute of Limitations
Your lawyer will ensure that your case adheres to all legal deadlines and requirements. Missing these deadlines could result in the dismissal of your case.
Reduce Stress
Dealing with a personal injury case can emotionally tax you. We can handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Contingency Fee
Our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t get paid unless we secure a settlement or court award for you. This arrangement makes legal representation more accessible.
Contact the Richmond Premises Liability Lawyers at Allen & Allen Today
David Williams, Richmond Premises Liability Lawyer
Have you or a loved one suffered an injury on someone else’s property due to negligence?
Your safety matters, and you deserve justice.
The experienced Richmond premises liability lawyers at Allen & Allen are here to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact Richmond personal injury attorneys today at (804) 353-1200 for your free consultation and take the first step toward holding property owners accountable for their negligence.
Our Richmond office
Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen
1809 Staples Mill Road
Richmond, VA 23230