Fredericksburg Premises Liability Lawyer

Caution sign for wet floor to avoid accident

If you have suffered injuries due to a hazard on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses through a premises liability claim. Whether it was a wet floor at a grocery store, an uneven walkway at an apartment complex, a dimly lit stairwell at a private residence, or some other type of unreasonably dangerous condition, the property owner or manager could be held responsible for failing to maintain a reasonably safe environment.

Over the course of more than a century, fighting for the rights of injured Virginians, Marks & Harrison has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Our experienced Fredericksburg premises liability lawyers stand ready to fight for the accountability and compensation you deserve.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners, managers, and other responsible parties accountable when unreasonably hazardous conditions on their property cause injuries to visitors.

Owners, occupants, and managers typically have a duty to take reasonable measures to maintain safe conditions for anyone who legally comes onto the property. When they fail to meet those responsibilities, the injured party may have a valid premises liability claim.

How Can a Fredericksburg Premises Liability Attorney Help Me?

Premises liability claims can be complicated and challenging to pursue on your own, particularly when you are recovering from serious physical, mental, and financial harm. Working with an experienced Fredericksburg premises liability lawyer from Marks & Harrison could make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Our premises liability attorneys are ready to help by:

Reviewing your case for free
Investigating the accident
Gathering evidence and witness testimony before they are lost
Working with experts who can testify about property conditions
Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies to seek a favorable settlement
Taking your case to trial if necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve

Our team has extensive experience with Fredericksburg premises liability cases. We are familiar with both the area and local courts. That can provide a distinct strategic advantage when building and presenting your case.

What Are Examples of Premises Liability?

Premises liability laws cover a wide range of accidents. Some of the most common include:

Slip-and-fall accidents
Sidewalk accidents
Stairwell accidents
Swimming pool accidents
Accidents at entertainment venues, public parks, or amusement parks
Dog bites
Accidents in parking lots and garages
Ceiling collapses
Structural collapses
Elevator and escalator accidents
Accidents in restaurants, grocery stores, or other businesses
Injuries caused by poor lighting
Injuries caused by inadequate security at a residence or business
Electric shocks
Injuries from falling or flying objects

Each of these accidents can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial distress. When the accident was caused by the property owner’s negligence or the negligence of another responsible party, they may be liable for the injuries and emotional distress they have caused.

What Are Common Places Where Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Fredericksburg?

Our Fredericksburg premises liability lawyers handle cases involving accidents of all kinds. Some of the most common places where premises liability accidents occur include:

Stores and malls
Apartment complexes
Office buildings
Restaurants and bars
Sidewalks
Parks
Schools
Hotels
Private residences
Parking garages
Public transit stations

Wherever it occurred, our attorneys can investigate your accident, determine who may be responsible, and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

What Evidence Is Crucial in a Fredericksburg Premises Liability Case?

To recover your rightful compensation, you will need a substantial body of evidence. Our lawyers will likely look for evidence like the following examples:

Photos and videos of the hazard
Eyewitness statements
Expert analysis and testimony
Surveillance footage
Maintenance or inspection records
Medical and financial records

Hazards can be quickly fixed after an accident in an attempt to conceal evidence of negligence. Contacting our lawyers as soon as possible can be crucial for preserving and obtaining evidence and building a compelling case.

Is the Property Owner Always Considered to Be at Fault in a Premises Liability Case?

No, the property owner is not always at fault when someone is injured on a property. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe premises for customers or visitors invited onto the property for business purposes and social guests invited to a private residence. Adult trespassers on a property are typically not protected by Virginia premises liability laws.

What if the Injury Occurs on My Friend’s Property?

Many people hesitate to file a premises liability claim if they were injured at a friend, neighbor, or relative’s home. However, in most cases, you are not suing the person directly, but instead seeking compensation through their homeowner’s insurance policy.

Protecting your relationship with your friend, neighbor, or relative is important, but so is receiving the help you need with medical bills and lost wages. Fortunately, your premises liability claim can help you do both.

What Steps Should You Take if You Are Involved in a Premises Liability Accident?

If you suffer injuries in a slip and fall or any other accident on someone else’s property, be sure to do the following:

Document the scene. Take photos and videos of the hazard, the surrounding area, and any warning signs or lack thereof.
Seek prompt medical care. Seeing a healthcare provider quickly can protect both your health and your personal injury claim. Do not delay medical care. See a doctor right away.
Report the accident. Notify the property owner or manager of the accident and request a copy of the incident report.
Save medical records and financial documents. Keep an organized file of all documents showing your injuries and how much they have cost you.
Contact our attorneys. The sooner you involve an experienced premises liability attorney from Marks & Harrison, the sooner we can begin securing evidence and building a strong claim for your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation as soon as you are able.

What Compensation Could Be Recovered in a Premises Liability Claim in Fredericksburg, VA?

Our attorneys are prepared to seek maximum compensation for you for the following losses in a premises liability claim:

Medical expenses and future medical costs related to the accident
Lost income
Reduced future earning capacity
Diminished quality of life
Physical pain
Emotional distress
Possible punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence

Our legal team can assess the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of the accident to fully account for all your losses.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Virginia?

Under Virginia law, you typically have two years from the date of an accident to file a premises liability lawsuit. If you fail to file within that period, you will most likely lose your right to seek compensation. Only very narrow exceptions could extend the deadline. That is why it is crucial to contact our experienced premises liability lawyers as soon as possible.

Contact a Fredericksburg Premises Liability Lawyer

Marks & Harrison has been protecting the rights of injured people in Fredericksburg and throughout Virginia since 1911. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate legal services to all clients and seeking justice on their behalf.

If you believe you have a claim to compensation in a premises liability case, contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm.