Entering property you do not own comes with a responsibility to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid obvious hazards. However, if an injury results from a hidden danger that the property owner failed to address despite their legal duty of care, a civil lawsuit may be possible to seek compensation for related losses. Achieving a successful result from a civil claim built around premises liability law can be much more difficult in practice than it might seem, especially if you try to go through the legal process without a skilled personal injury attorney’s guidance. Fortunately, a Valparaiso premises liability lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Holub could provide the help you need to obtain the restitution you deserve.
What Duties of Care Do Landowners Owe to Visitors?
Premises liability claims typically arise when a property owner’s failure to uphold their duty of care results in injury to a visitor. However, as a Valparaiso property liability attorney can explain, state law defines this duty based on the visitor’s reason for being on the property, which can significantly impact a claim.
In general, landowners do not bear liability for injuries that trespassers accidentally sustain. However, they may be responsible for injuries to lawful visitors if they fail to provide proper warnings about hazards. When a property is open to the public for commercial purposes, owners may also be liable for injuries caused by hazards they reasonably should have known about and addressed, even if they did not know about the danger at the time of the incident.
Recovering for Past and Future Damages
A landowner who breaches their duty of care and causes harm to a visitor may be held financially responsible for all resulting losses. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Personal property damage
- Physical discomfort and pain
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
- Psychological trauma and anguish
- Lost work income, benefits, and/or earning capacity
Compensation can also be sought for future losses expected to arise years after the incident. However, strict filing deadlines often expire before the full extent of long-term damages is known. Consulting a Valparaiso premises liability injury lawyer can be crucial in accurately estimating future losses and securing a favorable outcome.
Contact a Valparaiso Premises Liability Injury Attorney Today
Even if it seems obvious to you that a landowner should have done more to keep their property safe for you, proving that in court can be anything but simple. In fact, many people who try to pursue claims like this without legal representation struggle to get any civil compensation at all for their injuries, let alone the full amount to which they should be entitled under state law.
By retaining and working closely with a Valparaiso premises liability lawyer, you will give yourself the best possible chances of getting paid what you need for the harm you should never have sustained. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Holub today for your free consultation.