What Are the First Steps in a Premises Liability Case?
When you’re on someone else’s property, the owner is supposed to keep the property safe so you aren’t injured. This could be from businesses to government buildings to residential areas. Owners that don’t maintain their property could have unsafe or uneven surfaces, walkways, or staircases, that cause people to fall and injure themselves. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, a Wisconsin premises liability lawyer from Urban & Taylor can help you get compensation.
Urban & Taylor proudly represents the citizens of Wisconsin. We know how severe injuries can prevent you from working and you may be worrying about how you’re going to afford your medical expenses. With us at your side, we’ll fight for your rights and get you a settlement that can cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Starting Your Premises Liability Case
After the accident, you may not know where to start with your premises liability case. There are a few things you should do to help your claim.
- Report the Accident. You should try to get the accident on record. If you were injured at a store or a restaurant, report the incident to the manager.
- Keep an Account of the Accident. As soon as you can, write down how the accident happened. It’s best to do this right after the accident because the details will be fresh in your mind. Don’t guess at details or invent anything—stick to the truth and try to be as accurate as possible.
- Gather Evidence. Obtain copies of your medical records showing your injuries, any tests that you had to have, prescription medication, and future required care. Photographs of the area where the accident happened could help prove your case. They may catch a detail that shows the owner’s negligence. If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident and they’re willing to make a statement, get their contact information.
- Contact a Premises Liability Lawyer. Get in touch with a premises liability lawyer so you can get started on your claim. Many states have a statute of limitations on these types of cases, meaning that you have a fixed time limit to file your claim. If you try to bring your claim forward after the statute of limitations, it’s likely it will be denied.
What Does Your Premises Liability Case Need?
Once you’ve started the process and have a premises liability lawyer, you can start putting together your case. There are a few components your claim will need for it to be valid and your lawyer will be well-versed in what these are.
- The Defendant Owns the Property. You have to be able to show that the person responsible for the injury was in charge of the property in some way. This could be owning, leasing, or occupying.
- Defendant Failed to Care for Property. Then you have to show that they weren’t taking care of the property. Photographs can help with this part of the claim.
- You Were Injured on Property. Your medical records can prove that your injuries were a result of the unsafe conditions on the property.
- Connect the Defendant’s Negligence to Your Injury. Finally, you have to connect your injuries to the defendant’s negligent behavior of failing to keep up with their property.
The lawyers at Urban & Taylor have experience in premises liability cases. We’re ready to help get you the justice you deserve. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation of your case.
