Were You Injured In A Slip-And-Fall Accident?

If you have injuries because of a wet or uneven surface at a grocery store or restaurant or fell over in a poorly maintained parking lot, you should seek medical help right away. Even if your injuries may not seem serious at the time of your accident, your medical records are helpful if you need to file a claim. Business and property owners must keep their premises free of any dangerous conditions. However, many people suffer head injuries, bone fractures, serious cuts and soft tissue injuries in accidents on unsafe premises.

At The Dickerson & Smith Law Group, we can help you file a claim for compensation if you or a loved one was injured on unsafe premises. You may be able to get compensation for your medical costs, emergency room expenses, and lost wages resulting from your accident due to the negligence of a property or business owner. We have decades of experience negotiating with insurance companies, attending to workers’ compensation claims and litigating personal injury cases in court. Call our attorneys at 757-828-0031 to learn more. We can help you while you focus on healing.

Property Owners Have A Duty To Keep Their Public Spaces Safe

Our team of attorneys has the resources to dedicate to your case. We will investigate and gather the facts of how your accident happened. We will determine liability and help you seek the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Here are general answers to some frequently asked questions to help you understand premises liability cases.

What is premises liability?

Premises liability is the legal term covering the financial responsibility of a landowner or property manager for injuries a person may suffer due to unsafe or dangerous conditions that the landowner/manager neglected to repair or adequately warn others about on their property.

What is negligent security?

If a landowner or property manager has notice that their property has a history of crime or potential for unsavory conditions and does nothing to remedy it such as add lighting or fencing or hire security guards, they may be held liable for negligent security if you are robbed or mugged on the property.

Can I sue the city if a broken sidewalk makes me fall?

Public spaces should be free from dangerous conditions. If the city is charged with maintaining the sidewalk and knew the sidewalk was unsafe and did nothing to repair it, a lawsuit may be in order. Depending on the city’s ordinances, however, the city may claim it is not liable because a business owner is responsible for maintaining that sidewalk.

I fell in a store. Can I hold it responsible?

This is a complicated premises liability question that requires specific answers and difficult-to-obtain proof to hold the store owner responsible. You will need to prove that the store owner or manager knew about a dangerous condition and did nothing to remedy or warn the public about it and that your severe injuries are a direct result of their neglecting to make the store a safe place for you to walk.

My friend’s dog bit me. What should I do?

Seek medical attention right away. If your injuries are severe, you may want to file a claim for compensation. If this is the case, take photos and gather witness contact information if you are able. Virginia’s dog bite laws are complex. Your friend may be held liable for your injuries if there is proof that your friend’s dog bit you because your friend violated or neglected animal control laws.

I don’t know if I should commit to a lawyer. What should I do?

Gather your proof – photos, medical records, witness contact information — and keep it safe. Keep in mind that you have a limited time to file a claim. Generally, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a claim or you will lose the right to do so. Most attorneys will provide a free case evaluation for premises liability cases. If your case has merit, the firm usually provides services on a contingency basis, meaning you will not have to pay legal fees unless they win your case. Be sure to find out what types of costs will be associated with your case.

My landlord knew about a broken railing and never fixed it. I fell. Now what?

After seeking medical attention, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Your landlord may be held liable for the injuries you suffered in your fall if you have evidence that they were aware of the dangerous condition, but did not fix it.

Call Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Today For A Case Evaluation

At The Dickerson & Smith Law Group, we understand the complexities involved in premises liability cases. We have the experience you need to file timely claims with the right evidence to prove your claim. Call us today at 757-828-0031 or reach out to us online.