Property Owners and Duty of Care
In the state of North Carolina, as in most states, property owners and managers are required to maintain their properties in a manner that keeps lawfully present guests and visitors from unnecessary harm. At a minimum, owners and managers are required to warn guests and visitors of potential hazards on the property. In order to be held liable for the injuries sustained by someone entering their properties, property owners and managers must:
- Owe a duty of care to you. You were on the owner’s or manager’s property legally and were not a trespasser.
- Have known or should reasonably have known about the existence of a dangerous condition.
- Have failed to act on the knowledge of the existing peril by fixing or repairing it or warning visitors or guests about it.
If the above conditions are met, then you must have (1) been injured as a result of the hazard, and (2) you must have damages that result from your injuries, such as medical bills, lost income, mental anguish/pain and suffering.
What is a Dangerous Condition?
A dangerous condition can be any peril or hazard that causes injury to a guest or visitor to the property. Some common examples:
- A dangerous dog.
- Spilled liquids or debris in the pathway of the visitor/guest.
- Inadequately maintained stairs, elevators, or escalators.
- Swimming pools with no child-safety measures to prevent accidental injuries and deaths.
- Accumulate ice or water on sidewalks or other common areas.
Compensatory Damages in Your Huntersville, NC Premises Liability Claim
If your injuries meet the thresholds for a premises liability claim, then you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Recovered damages may include:
- Medical costs, including the past, present, and future medical bills.
- Lost income, including your future, diminished capacity to earn a living, in some cases.
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by your injuries.
- Punitive damages, depending on the court’s discretion and the degree to which the property owner’s or manager’s misconduct was willful or intentional.
Keep in mind that most premises liability claims are negotiated prior to going to court. However, our firm is ready and willing to take your case all the way to trial in pursuit of a fair and just verdict for you.
Experienced Huntersville, NC Premises Liability Attorney
Trust Brown, Moore & Associates, PLLC’s decades of experience helping injured parties get the compensation they deserve. Our Huntersville, NC, premises liability attorney wants to help you recover the maximum compensation—either by settlement or verdict—in your case. Reach out to our knowledgeable and compassionate team now for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 800-948-0577.
