When shopping, visiting friends, or eating at a restaurant in Central Pennsylvania, one of the last things on your mind is getting injured. But, as we know, accidents can happen. When they do, it’s important to know your rights, mainly if the
injury occurs on someone else’s property.
In Harrisburg, premises liability law protects you when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment.
Were You Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Imagine visiting a hotel lobby, and as you walk through, you step on a loose tile that hasn’t been fixed or marked as a hazard. You lose your balance and fall, breaking your leg. This scenario falls under premises liability, a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to dangerous conditions.
If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, a Harrisburg premises liability lawyer can help you understand your rights and determine if you have a premise liability claim worth pursuing.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Harrisburg
Premises liability cases come in various accidents, each with unique challenges. Our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers are experienced in premises liability and have years of experience and will guide you through these cases, helping you seek fair compensation.
Slip and Falls
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common premises liability cases. They occur when someone slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven pavement, or poor lighting. Property owners have a duty of care to maintain a safe environment. If this responsibility isn’t met and injuries happen because of negligence, the property owner could be liable.
For instance, let’s say you’re in a Harrisburg mall and trip over a loose carpet in a store walkway, spraining your ankle. The store owner could be held responsible if it’s proven that they knew about the hazard and didn’t take steps to fix it or warn customers.
Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, especially if the dog isn’t adequately restrained or trained. In Pennsylvania, dog owners have a legal duty to control their pets and prevent them from harming others. If a dog bites you without provocation while on someone else’s property, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim, especially if they knew their dog had a history of aggression.
Toxic Exposure
Toxic exposure cases involve harmful substances like asbestos, mold, or chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Property owners must keep their premises free from dangerous substances or warn visitors of potential risks.
Imagine renting an apartment in Harrisburg and discovering that your health is deteriorating due to mold exposure that the landlord neglected to address. The landlord could be held accountable for your medical costs and other damages in such cases.
Negligent Security
Negligent security cases occur when property owners fail to provide adequate security measures, leading to someone getting hurt or becoming a victim of a crime. This could happen in parking lots, hotels, or apartment complexes.
For instance, if you’re assaulted in a poorly lit parking garage with no security cameras, the property owner might be held responsible if it’s proven that better security measures could have prevented the attack.
How a Harrisburg Premises Liability Attorney Can Help You
- Investigate Your Case: A personal injury lawyer will investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, provide valuable legal advice, and determine if the property owner’s negligence caused your injury.
- Build a Strong Case: An experienced attorney’s law office will compile all necessary documents, such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements, to build a compelling case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to try to minimize payouts. Your Dauphin County legal team will negotiate to ensure you receive fair financial compensation for your injuries.
- Represent You in Court: If your case doesn’t settle and goes to trial, your personal injury attorneys will represent you, presenting your case effectively to achieve the best possible outcome.
FAQs About Premises Liability in Harrisburg
Who can sue for premises liability?
Anyone injured on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence can potentially sue for premises liability. This includes guests, customers, or even trespassers in certain situations. To have a valid personal injury claim, you must prove that the property owner failed to maintain a safe condition and that this failure directly caused your injury.
What is my Harrisburg premises liability case worth?
The value of a premises liability case can vary widely depending on factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the extent of the property owner’s negligence.
Monetary compensation received can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. A lawyer can provide a better estimate after evaluating your specific case.
What types of damages are available in premises liability cases?
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills related to your injury.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to your inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the distress caused by your bodily injury and emotional trauma.
- Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged in the incident, you might be compensated for repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: In some personal injury cases, you may be awarded punitive damages if the property owner’s conduct was particularly grievous.
How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Harrisburg?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. You have two years to file a lawsuit; otherwise, you could lose your right to seek compensation. However, certain factors can affect this timeframe, so it’s important to contact a lawyer for an initial consultation as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Call the Harrisburg premises liability lawyers at Munley Law for a free case evaluation today.
