Premises liability cases involve injury to one person due to unsafe or defective conditions on property owned by another. If you were injured on another person’s property, the law makes it possible for you to pursue damages.
When is a property owner responsible for my injuries?
If you were hurt in a premises liability accident, the respected Virginia premises liability lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can ensure that you understand all the laws that pertain to your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
What Does Premises Liability Mean?
Premises liability is a distinct form of personal injury suit, the legal theory of which centers around the obligation a property owner has to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for the well-being of anyone welcomed onto their property. If someone is injured on the premises, then the property owner could be held financially accountable for any damages caused by the accident.
The kinds of injuries that can give rise to these lawsuits range from a trip and fall in a supermarket or retail store to an injury that took place in a construction zone.
Liability is determined by:
- The visitor’s legal status
- The property’s condition at the time of the incident
- Whether the visitor, owner or a third party is to blame for the incident
- Whether the injured victim was a minor
Bear in mind that a property owner does not assume limitless liability and is only accountable for avoidable accidents.
What Are the Most Commonly Litigated Premises Liability Accidents?
Cases involving premises liability are actually quite common as these accidents can happen even under ideal circumstances. If you were involved in a premises liability accident, it is important to reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney right away so that you can build the strongest case possible for compensation.
Some of the most frequently litigated premises liability accidents in Virginia are:
Slip and Falls/Trip and Falls
Slip or trip and fall accidents are by far the most common of these cases, accounting for roughly eight million hospital emergency department visits annually.
Although they happen every day and don’t sound particularly serious, a slip or trip and fall could lead to spinal cord damage, broken bones, and traumatic brain or other head injuries. Property managers and owners are required to ensure that their stairwells, sidewalks, and walkways are in a reasonably safe condition and free from obstacles and debris.
Accidents at Hotels
Injury-causing accidents that take place on hotel property should only be handled by an attorney who is proficient in premises liability cases. If your goal is to hold the hotel responsible for injuries you sustained on their property, you will have to prove that the hotel violated the duty of care they owed you or was otherwise negligent.
A hotel is defined by Virginia law as any place open to the public for sleeping or transitory travel accommodations in exchange for compensation. Although hotels are specifically stated, this also includes motels, tourist homes, hostels, and travel lodges. If you were injured while staying at one of these or a similar facility, you might be able to collect compensation.
Hotels are not only liable for your safety while you are in your room but in other common areas as well, such as:
- Walkways and sidewalks
- Parking lots and parking garages
- Fitness areas
- Swimming pools and jacuzzis
- Public bathrooms
If you sustained an injury while you were a guest at a hotel, you should speak with a lawyer who is well-versed in premises liability law. They will be able to help you collect evidence, craft statements, and negotiate with hotel lawyers and their insurers.
Contact a Virginia Premises Liability Attorney
If you were injured at a supermarket, hotel, or another public property establishment, and suspect you have a valid premises liability case, call the Virginia personal injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at (833) 997-1774 or via the contact page on our website. We will examine the facts of your case and advise you on the best legal strategy for obtaining full and fair compensation for your damages.