Severe injuries resulting from an accident on another person’s property are more common than you might think. You may feel anxious and unsure about where you will find the money to cover your medical bills or how you will support your family when you are unable to work.
It is not enough to show that an injury occurred at a particular property. You must prove the property owner was negligent and that negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injury. Kentucky law imposes a duty upon property owners to maintain a reasonably safe premises. The property owner can be held liable for hazards that they knew, or should have known, that causes injuries on the premises.
Premises liability cases can be difficult to prove negligence. If you sustained an injury because of someone else’s negligence, schedule a free consultation with a Florence premises liability lawyer right away.
Causes of Premises Liability Claims
Nearly any accident on someone else’s property can fall under a premises liability claim, and there are numerous ways for this type of accident to occur.
The law requires that property owners maintain a reasonably safe premises. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain the upkeep of their property and complete reasonable inspections to ensure safety. When a property owner fails to keep the area safe, and a guest gets injured, they may be responsible for damages. Some hazards that could cause premises liability cases include:
- Elevator accidents
- Falling merchandise in retail stores
- Uneven floors or ripped carpeting
- Slippery floors
- Crooked, cracked, or broken sidewalks
- Animal attacks or bites
- Boiler or water heater malfunctions
- Swimming pool accidents
- Stair, deck, or other structure collapses
You might not know in the immediate aftermath of the accident whether the property owner had a specific duty to prevent it from happening. By placing a call to a Florence property liability lawyer, we can investigate your injury and determine if the property owner was negligent.
Legal Hurdles in a Premises Liability Claim
When a potentially liable party learns that they may be sued for their negligence, they will inform their insurance company and the claim will be assigned to a claims adjuster. Claims adjusters are working only in the insurance company’s best interest. They are well-trained and aggressive in their tactics. It is never a wise idea for you to deal with the insurance company directly. A premises liability lawyer in Florence can manage all communication with claims adjusters in order to protect your right to full and fair compensation.
Kentucky Revised Statutes § 413.140(1)(a) allows for up to one (1) year to file a premises liability civil action case with the court. The courts strictly enforce the timelines, and the plaintiff must understand and comply with the statutes of limitations. If they do not file the petition within the one-year allowable time, a judge will dismiss the case. You must settle your claim or file a lawsuit to protect it on (or before) the one (1) year anniversary of your injury. Waiting too long could put your case in danger of being barred so you should inform us as soon as possible so that we may begin working on your case.
Seek Representation from a Florence Premises Liability Attorney
Even if you were alone when you had an accident stemming from hazardous property, the land’s owner or manager might still be liable in a court of law. A Florence premises liability lawyer can work with you to ensure you receive a fair outcome and that all of your economic and non-economic losses are accounted for. Give us a call today and learn how we can put our skills to work for you.
