Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
There are many ways people can get hurt due to unsafe property conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slippery or uneven surfaces cause thousands of injuries each year. Spilled liquids, loose rugs, or icy sidewalks can be dangerous. If a property owner knew about the hazard and did nothing, they could be responsible for your injuries from a slip and fall accident.
Poor Maintenance
Broken stairs, loose handrails, and faulty wiring can lead to serious accidents. Property owners have a duty to fix these issues in a reasonable amount of time. If they fail to do so and someone gets hurt, they can be held accountable.
Inadequate Lighting
Dimly lit stairwells, parking lots, and hallways can increase the risk of accidents. If you can’t see where you’re going, you’re more likely to trip or fall. Business and property owners must ensure their spaces are well-lit to prevent injuries.
Negligent Security
Property owners should provide reasonable security measures, especially in areas with known risks. This includes working locks, security cameras, and proper lighting. If someone is attacked due to poor security, they may have a case against the property owner.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Dog bite laws in Minnesota state that dog owners must control their pets, especially in public spaces or around guests. If a dog bites someone, the owner may be liable. A premises liability attorney in St. Cloud can help you seek compensation for medical bills, wage loss, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
Common Injuries
Accidents on unsafe properties can cause life-changing injuries. Some common injuries include:
- Broken Bones: Falls and slips often lead to fractures, which can require surgery and long recovery times.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Serious falls can damage the spine, leading to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Head Injuries: A fall or being struck by an object can lead to concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
- Cuts and Bruises: Sharp objects, broken glass, or rough surfaces can cause severe lacerations.
A St. Cloud slip and fall lawyer can help determine how much your injuries are worth and what legal steps to take next.
Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries?
In premises liability cases, the property owner or manager is usually responsible. However, proving fault is not always simple. To hold them liable, you must show:
- The owner knew or should have known about the danger. This means they were aware of the issue, or it was obvious enough that they should have noticed.
- They did not fix the issue or warn visitors. They may be responsible if a store owner ignores a spill or doesn’t put up a warning sign.
- You were injured as a result. You must show that your injury happened because of the hazard, not due to another reason.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, speaking with a dangerous property lawyer near me can help clarify your rights.
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Compensation in Premises Liability Cases
Victims of premises liability accidents may recover compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Long-Term Care Costs
- Lost Wages
- Lost Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Property Damage
A top-rated injury attorney in St. Cloud will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation.
The Role of Negligence in Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability cases are based on the legal concept of negligence. This means a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep their property safe. If a business owner ignores a broken step, a landlord fails to fix a faulty railing, or a grocery store doesn’t clean up a spill, they may be considered negligent.
However, proving negligence isn’t always easy. The property owner may argue that they didn’t know about the danger or that the injured person was partly responsible for the accident. This is why having a St. Cloud premises liability accident lawyer on your side is so important. An attorney can gather evidence, review security footage, interview witnesses, and build a strong case to prove negligence.
How Long Do You Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for premises liability cases is typically two years from the date of the incident. This means that if you’re injured on someone else’s property, you must file a lawsuit within this timeframe to seek compensation. Missing this deadline could result in losing your right to pursue a claim.
However, certain exceptions may apply that can either extend or shorten this timeframe. It’s essential to understand these nuances to protect your legal rights. For example, if the injured person is a minor, they may have more time to file a claim. On the other hand, if the accident happened on government-owned property, special rules may apply. Consulting with a premises liability attorney in St. Cloud as soon as possible will help ensure you don’t miss your chance to recover damages.
What If You Were Partially at Fault for the Accident?
Some accident victims worry that they won’t be able to recover compensation if they were partly responsible for their injuries. However, Minnesota follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that as long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still seek compensation—though your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you slipped on an unmarked wet floor in a store but were also looking at your phone instead of paying attention, a court may determine that you were 20% at fault. If your damages total $50,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you would receive $40,000.
Insurance companies often try to blame victims to avoid paying full compensation. A top-rated injury attorney in St. Cloud can push back against these tactics and fight for what you deserve.
Premises Liability Cases Involving Public Property
- Public parks and recreational areas
- Sidewalks and streets maintained by the city
- Government buildings and facilities
Filing a claim against a government entity is more complicated than suing a private property owner. Special rules and shorter deadlines may apply, and you may need to file a notice of claim before suing. If you were injured on public property, consulting with a St. Cloud slip and fall lawyer right away can help you understand your options.
Why You Shouldn’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
After an injury, the property owner’s insurance company may quickly offer you a settlement. While this may seem like a good solution, these first offers are often far lower than what you actually deserve. Insurance companies want to minimize payouts, and they may pressure you to accept before you know the full extent of your injuries.
Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more money later—even if your medical bills end up being much higher than expected. This is why it’s crucial to talk to a dangerous property lawyer near me before signing anything. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers all of your expenses.
Contact Our St. Cloud Premises Liability Lawyer
If you were injured on someone else’s property, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC is here to help. Contact our no-win, no-fee premises liability lawyer in St. Cloud today for a free consultation and learn how we can fight for you.
