A premises liability claim arises when someone is injured on property owned by another person. The property involved may be any type of premises including a private residence, a retail store, a government building or an office building. Accidents that lead to premises liability claims tend to be "slip and fall" or "trip and fall" accidents. A slip and fall accidents involves someone falling down and suffering an injury. Such an accident is a "slip and fall" accident when the accident is caused by a liquid, icy or some other slippery substance. A "trip and fall" accident occurs when debris or a foreign object causes the fall. Even accidents on the job like a construction accident cases can be caused by dangerous and unsafe conditions. There are many different types of injury result from a slip and fall accident or another type of premises liability accident such as a back injury, head injury, spinal injury, or brain injury. If you care about is suffering from an injury that was caused by a hazard on the premises of another person, it is important to immediately contact an experienced Suffolk County premises liability lawyer who will explain to you the process for pursuing a claim against the negligent party. You should do so quickly, as there are time limits that you must follow when you file a personal injury claim.
Types of premises liability accidentsOwners and managers or property are required to take reasonable steps to make sure that their property is safe and free from hazards so that no one is injured. Common hazards that occur on all types of property include:
Whether the property is residential or commercial, typically the owner of the premises is financially responsible in a premises liability case. However, oftentimes stores, office business, other commercial properties and even residential property are leased to tenants. Oftentimes when a property is leased the owner of the property does not control the property. In such cases the property owner may not be aware of a hazardous condition on the property. Instead the business or individual renting the property has control and would be responsible for making sure the property is safe.
Examples of premises accidentsA balcony was built using substandard materials. During a party 10 guests gathered on the balcony. The balcony collapses. Eight guests suffer serious injuries.
Three hundred people were gathered in a club for a concert. The band ignited a pyrotechnic display. A spark ignited material at the back of the stage, quickly engulfing the entire backdrop. Guests started to head toward exits. Two of the exit doors would not open, causing guests to panic and head toward the entrance. The fire was quickly extinguished. However, several guests were seriously injured as they we trampled by others trying to leave the building.
Pursuing damages through a personal injury claimAs a premises liability attorney who represents clients in Suffolk County will explain, even if you are able to establish that a hazard on the property led to your injury, you will not receive a financial award in your personal injury lawsuit if you cannot show that your suffered compensable losses. If you prevail in your claim, you may win money to cover the medical bills associated with the injury you sustained in the premises accident. A serious injury typically means that the victim will miss some days at work. Through your claim you may also be awarded the pay that you missed because you were unable to work. You may even receive compensation for your pain and suffering.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you were hurt on someone else's property, do not immediately settle with the insurance company. In order to pursue a premises liability claim it is critical that you contact a premises liability attorney serving Suffolk County who has the experience and resources to effectively represent you in your lawsuit. The staff at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates is experienced in handling personal injury and wrongful death cases stemming from slip and fall accidents, trip and fall accidents, and other accidents that result from unsafe premises. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.