Binghamton Premises Liability Lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyers / Binghamton Personal Injury Lawyer / Binghamton Premises Liability Lawyer

Accidents can happen anywhere — whether in a store, on a sidewalk, or even at a friend’s house. If you were injured because a property wasn’t properly maintained or was unsafe, you might be entitled to compensation. The experienced Binghamton premises liability lawyers at Munley Law are here to help you deal with your case and fight for your rights in New York State.

Premises liability cases involve situations where property owners fail to maintain safe conditions, leading to accidents and injuries. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property due to their negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Let our team help you understand the legal process and make sure that you receive the justice you deserve.

Do You Have a Premises Liability Case?

In Binghamton, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain their premises for the safety of visitors. When property owners fail in this duty, and their negligence leads to an accident, you may have a premises liability case. Common situations where premises liability accidents occur include:

• Slip and fall accidents: Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and icy walkways can cause serious injuries.
• Trip and fall accidents: Hazards like misplaced objects, uneven flooring, or poorly marked steps can cause trips and falls.
• Falling object accidents: Items that aren’t properly secured may fall and strike visitors.
• Poor lighting or visibility: Dark hallways, stairways, or parking lots can lead to accidents.
• Dog bites: If a dog attacks someone on someone else’s property, the property owner may be held liable.
• Negligent security: If inadequate security leads to an assault or robbery on a property, the owner may be responsible.

In Binghamton, property owners must make sure their premises are safe for visitors. If they neglect this responsibility and your injury is a result of their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options.

What Is Your Case Worth?

The value of your premises liability case depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, and the impact your injury has on your quality of life. While every case is unique, some of the key factors we consider when determining the value of your case include:

Medical Expenses

Medical bills are a major component of your compensation. This includes immediate expenses like hospital visits, surgeries, doctor consultations, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any future medical care that may be necessary due to the injury. If you need long-term care, such as rehabilitation or ongoing medical treatments, this will be factored into the overall value of your claim.

Lost Wages

If your injury keeps you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost. This includes wages for time missed from work, as well as any lost earning capacity if your injury has a long-term effect on your ability to work.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages, like pain and suffering, can be harder to calculate but are just as important. This category of compensation includes the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath. It also includes the loss of enjoyment of life if the injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

Emotional Distress

Injuries can also lead to emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can be a major part of your compensation, especially if the accident caused significant emotional harm that interferes with your daily life.

At Munley Law, we work tirelessly to see that you are fully compensated for all the damages you have suffered. We understand how a premises liability accident can disrupt your life, and we’re here to fight for you.

How Do We Prove Fault?

To win a premises liability case, we need to prove several key points:

• The Property Owner Had a Duty of Care: The property owner had a responsibility to keep the property safe for visitors.
• They Breached that Duty: The property owner failed to fix or address a hazardous condition, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or broken handrail.
• The Breach Caused Your Injury: We must show that the property owner’s failure to fix the hazard directly led to your injury.
• You Suffered Damages: You must have actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering caused by the accident.

We gather evidence such as photos, video footage, witness testimony, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case. Our 65 years in the field means we have extensive experience developing premises liability claims. Our legal team will work tirelessly to prove that the property owner’s negligence was the direct cause of your injury.

What If You’re Partly at Fault?

New York follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are partly responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation, but it will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Our team works hard to minimize any potential fault that might be assigned to you. We will examine the details of your case to make sure that you are not unfairly blamed for the accident, allowing you to receive the maximum compensation possible.

Types of Compensation Available

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident, you may be entitled to two main types of compensation:

Economic Damages

These are the financial costs that result directly from your injury. Economic damages may include:

• Medical bills: For the care you’ve received and will need in the future.
• Rehabilitation costs: For therapy and any other treatments necessary for your recovery.
• Lost income: If you missed work or lost your job due to your injury.
• Future medical expenses: If you need ongoing care, we will calculate these costs and include them in your claim.

Non-Economic Damages

These are damages that are harder to quantify but are just as important to your recovery. Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
• Emotional distress: If the accident led to psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.

At Munley Law, we’ll make sure every aspect of your injury is taken into account so that you receive fair and full compensation. We’re dedicated to helping you recover from both the financial and emotional toll of an accident.

Steps to Take After an Accident

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident in Binghamton, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health and your legal rights. By following these steps, you can protect your health, your case, and your right to compensation:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your health should always be your first priority. Even if your injury doesn’t seem severe, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms immediately.
• Report the Incident: Inform the property owner or manager about the accident. This helps establish a record of the incident. Be sure to get a copy of any report they file.
• Document Everything: Take photos of the accident scene, including any hazards that caused your fall or injury. Also, take pictures of your injuries and keep track of your medical treatments and expenses.
• Gather Witness Information: If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Witnesses can provide important testimony to support your case.
• Avoid Giving Statements: Don’t discuss the incident with insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer first. Insurance companies may try to get you to say something that could hurt your claim.
• Contact an Attorney: Call a Binghamton premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. We can provide advice, help gather evidence, and guide you through the process.

Understanding the Legal Process

Dealing with a premises liability claim can be overwhelming, but we’ll guide you through every step. Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed and be by your side every step of the way. Here’s an overview of the process:

• Investigation: We will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and consult with experts to support your claim.
• Filing a Claim: We will notify the property owner and their insurance company, starting the process of recovering damages.
• Negotiation: We will work with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If they offer a fair amount, we will negotiate on your behalf to make sure your compensation reflects the full extent of your damages.
• Litigation: If necessary, we’ll take your case to court. Most premises liability cases are settled without going to trial, but we’re prepared to fight for you in the courtroom if needed.

Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file your case in court. If you fail to file within this time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation. To protect your rights and guarantee your case is filed on time, it’s essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to offer a quick settlement to avoid paying out a larger amount later on. This initial offer is usually much less than what you truly deserve. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult with one of our attorneys to make sure you’re being offered a fair amount for your injuries.

We handle all communications with the insurance companies and will negotiate to get you the best possible compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will take your case to trial to fight for your rights.

FAQs

How common are premises liability injuries in the U.S.?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 6.8 million people visit emergency rooms each year due to unintentional falls — many of which occur on unsafe properties. In addition, National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) data shows that slips and falls account for over 1 million ER visits annually, making them one of the leading causes of nonfatal injuries in the U.S.

How much will it cost to hire a lawyer?

At Munley Law, you don’t pay anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. We’ve secured millions of dollars for injured clients — and we’re ready to fight for you, too.

How long will my case take to settle?

Each case is different. While some cases are settled quickly, others may take longer due to complicated issues or the need for additional evidence. We will keep you updated on the progress of your case and work to resolve it as efficiently as possible.

Contact Munley Law Today

If you’ve been injured in a premises liability accident in Binghamton, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our experienced premises liability lawyers at Munley Law are here to offer support, guide you through the legal process, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.