Charlotte Premises Liability Lawyer

Charlotte Premises Liability Attorney

Whether you’re shopping in a store, visiting a friend, or just going to work, you expect the property you’re on to be safe. When a wet floor, broken handrail, dim light, or negligent security leads to serious injury, you deserve to be compensated. A knowledgeable Charlotte premises liability lawyer can help you take legal action and get the money you need to move forward.

About Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

We have been providing representation to injured individuals and families in Charlotte and Spartanburg for more than ten years. Our Charlotte personal injury lawyer can guide you through your legal claim with confidence and clarity, whether we are negotiating with an insurance company or standing beside you at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse for trial.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal theory that makes property owners and managers responsible for injuries that occur on their property because of an unsafe condition. North Carolina law requires property owners to maintain their premises safely and warn visitors about any known dangers. If they fail to do this and an injury occurs, they can be held liable for the harm that results.

Premises liability claims are often complicated, and Charlotte premises liability laws are particularly strict. The property owner and their insurance company will likely do everything they can to place blame on the victim. You need an aggressive legal team with deep legal knowledge to protect your rights against unfair and biased practices. Common premises liability cases include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces
• Injuries caused by falling objects or broken stairs
• Assaults or robberies resulting from negligent security in parking lots or apartment complexes
• Accidents in swimming pools, amusement parks, or other public spaces

Falls tend to be one of the most common occurrences resulting from premises liability, especially among the elderly. The U.S. has about 3 million fall-related emergency department visits each year among older adults. There are about 1 million hospitalizations per year among older adults due to falls, and nearly 319,000 hospitalizations per year for hip fractures among older adults.

North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule

North Carolina is one of only five states that follow the pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are even 1% responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you could be completely barred from recovery. Property owners and their insurers love this rule because it gives them an easy out to deny even the most valid claims.

That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced Charlotte premises liability attorney on your side. Our team knows how to construct strong cases with clear evidence of a property owner’s negligence that leaves little room for arguing that you were partially at fault.

Compensation You Can Recover

Damages in a premises liability claim are designed to put your life back together after a negligent property owner’s carelessness caused you an injury. They are also designed to hold the property owner responsible for their actions and give you the means necessary to physically, emotionally, and financially recover from your injuries.

You may be entitled to different types of damages, depending on the facts of your accident and the severity of your injuries.

Some damages you may be able to recover include:

• Medical bills. Emergency room visits, surgeries, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, and other necessary equipment can all be recovered. For more serious injuries, this could also include long-term care or home modifications.
• Lost wages. If your injury caused you to miss work, you can seek damages for that lost income. We can seek compensation for future wages lost due to your reduced earning potential and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering. There are some damages that are more difficult to calculate, but no less deserving of compensation. Non-economic damages include chronic pain, physical limitations, and loss of daily activity enjoyment.
• Emotional outcomes. A traumatic accident can result in emotional harm that manifests as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or fear of public spaces.
• Permanent effects from injury. The permanent damage from your injury allows you to claim extra compensation due to the life changes it caused.
• Loss of companionship. Your personal relationships, such as marriage and companionship, can become strained when injuries occur in some situations.
• Punitive damages. The court can issue punitive damages against property owners whose conduct showed extreme negligence or willful safety violations.

FAQs

Q: What Are My Options if I’m Injured on Another Person’s Property?

A: You have a few options if you’re injured on another person’s property. You might be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner or manager. You can seek compensation from their insurance or possibly file a legal claim. Hire a premises liability lawyer in Charlotte who can help you evaluate the accident scene, preserve evidence, and take the proper legal steps to pursue a claim.

Q: What Is the Premises Liability Law in NC?

A: North Carolina premises liability law imposes a duty on landowners to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for the benefit of lawful visitors. If a property owner fails to fix a hazardous condition they knew or should have known about, they can be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

Q: What Evidence Is Crucial in a Premises Liability Case?

A: Several forms of evidence are crucial in a premises liability case. Documented proof of the hazard, medical records, incident reports, and any statements showing the property owner’s awareness of the danger all serve as essential evidence in liability cases. Surveillance footage and maintenance logs can also be helpful. The sooner you collect this evidence, the stronger your claim will be.

Q: How Long Does a Premises Liability Case Take?

A: The duration of premises liability cases can range from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the case. If the case is clear-cut and liability is easily established, a settlement could be reached in a matter of weeks or months. However, if there are issues to be litigated or the injuries are serious and a claim is filed, the case could take longer. An attorney can also help to ensure that the process goes smoothly and without unnecessary delay.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC Today

If you were injured on a property, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC today to begin fighting for your rights.