Commercial and residential property owners and managers have a duty to maintain their homes, stores, and general grounds in good repair — or to adequately warn visitors if there are known hazards to be avoided. When property owners fail to do so and you suffer harm as a result, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.
If you were injured on another person’s property, the personal injury attorneys at Lightfoot Law, PLLC, can help. We’ll review your premises liability claim and advise you whether or not you are entitled to recover for your accident-related losses, including medical bills, lost earnings, future medical treatment, pain and suffering and more. Lightfoot Law, PLLC, the only personal injury firm in Ward 8, is dedicated to helping individuals just like you move forward from a personal injury accident in comfort and financial security.
At Lightfoot Law, PLLC, our personal injury attorneys are:
- Honest and trustworthy;
- Competent and professional;
- Goal and success-driven; and
- Knowledgeable and experienced.
We have experience representing people throughout the Washington, D.C., area who were injured on someone else’s property due to the property owner’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys possess an impressive knowledge of D.C. premises liability laws and a solid commitment to hold the responsible property owner accountable for your harm.
Contact us today for a complimentary claim consultation by phone, Zoom, or FaceTime, or in our office. We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
A Washington, D.C., Premises Liability Attorney Can Help You
Recovering compensation in a premises liability case should be straightforward. However, proving these cases is often a complex and challenging task best reserved for legal professionals.
The insurance company and the court look beyond the simple fact that you were hurt when reviewing your premises liability case. The insurance company and the court review accident factors such as the property’s condition at the time and what you were doing when the accident occurred. These are both circumstances that could work against you and your case without the proper legal assistance.
An experienced premises liability attorney like ours at Lightfoot Law, PLLC, will strive to protect the integrity of your case and build your claim for damages against the property owner and their insurance company. To succeed in negotiations or litigation Lightfoot Law, PLLC’s premises liability attorneys, can do the following and more on your behalf:
- Investigate your accident thoroughly;
- Identify any available sources of compensation for your damages;
- Photograph the scene of your accident and preserve other evidence;
- Research whether anyone else was injured in the same location, or if anyone has previously complained about the property’s condition;
- Consult medical professionals to verify the extent of your injuries and the cost of recovery;
- Aggressively negotiate a fair and just settlement on your behalf; and
- If settlement fails, file a civil lawsuit and proceed to litigation.
Lightfoot Law, PLLC, has helped clients file lawsuits against property owners, tenants, landlords, security guards, management companies, and other at-fault parties in premises liability claims. You can count on our premises liability attorneys to do the same for you through sound, structured arguments, and goal-oriented litigation.
Contact us now at (202) 919-5453or contact us online to learn more about premises liability claims and have your legal questions answered by a qualified attorney.
What is a Premises Liability Lawsuit?
A premises liability lawsuit is a type of personal injury lawsuit. Its purpose is to hold a property owner or manager responsible for any damages arising out of an injury on their property.
In Washington, D.C., owners and managers of properties are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for their visitors. Failure to do so may result in liability for any injuries suffered by visitors to their properties.
Not every visitor to a property may make a premises liability claim. In Washington, D.C., there are three classifications of visitors, business invitees, licensees, and trespassers, but only two of these may make a claim for compensation against negligent property owners or managers. These are business invitees and licensees.
- Business invitees. Business invitees are patrons and customers of a business. Store owners must promptly identify and address all known and unknown hazards on their property for business invitees;
- Licensees are social guests and others who may enter a property with the owner’s permission. Property owner’s are responsible for dangers they know or should know about; and
- Trespassers enter a property without the owner’s permission and are generally owed no duty of care except that the owner of the property refrain from willfully harming them. There is an exception for child trespassers.
Where do Premises Liability Accidents Occur in Washington, D.C.?
Premises liability accidents can happen on any public, private, or government property at any time. Common sites of premises liability accidents may include but are not limited to the following:
- Grocery and retail stores;
- Restaurants;
- Clubs and bars;
- Casinos;
- Gyms;
- Resorts;
- Hotels;
- Resorts;
- Amusement parks;
- Shopping centers;
- Parking garages;
- Construction sites;
- Government buildings;
- City parks;
- Apartment complexes; and
- Private homes.
Slip and falls are the most common type of premises liability accident. These accidents may arise from a wide variety of hazardous conditions including wet floors, food debris, cracked pavement, uneven steps, and snow- and ice-covered sidewalks.
Other premises liability accidents include, but are not limited to the following:
- Inadequate security;
- Unsafe structures;
- Fires;
- Explosions;
- Building collapses;
- Falling objects;
- Construction zone conditions;
- Elevator or escalator failures;
- Electrocution;
- Exposure to toxic substances; and
- Dog bites.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims
There is a time limit, or statute of limitations, to file a premises liability claim in Washington, D.C. The statute of limitations for most premises liability claims is three years from the date of the accident. Beyond this time any recovery for injuries and other losses is barred.
There are exceptions to the statute of limitations. If you would like to learn more about these exceptions, it is best to contact an experienced premises liability attorney in Washington, D.C.
Contact an Experienced Washington D.C. Premises Liability Attorney Today
At Lightfoot Law, PLLC, we understand the difficulties of trying to recover from a premises liability accident. That is why our attorneys fight tirelessly for your right to recover financial compensation for your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning potential;
- Physical and occupational therapy;
- Mental and emotional trauma;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, call the experienced premises liability attorneys at Lightfoot Law, PLLC, at (202) 919-5453or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. Our firm is dedicated to using the law to make positive changes in your life. Contact Lightfoot Law, PLLC, today.