Greensboro Premises Liability Lawyer

Injured on Someone Else's Property in Greensboro, NC?

Accidents can happen anywhere—at a grocery store, a shopping mall, a neighbor’s house, or even a public sidewalk. When those accidents occur because a property owner failed to maintain safe conditions, the law allows you to pursue compensation for your injuries. At Comerford Chilson & Moser, we are committed to protecting the rights of injured victims throughout Greensboro, NC. If you’ve suffered harm on someone else’s property, our Greensboro premises liability attorney can help you hold negligent parties accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.

Call (336) 568-8779 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a branch of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers legally responsible for injuries caused by unsafe or dangerous conditions on their property. Simply put, if a property owner fails to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, and someone gets hurt as a result, the injured party may file a claim for damages.

Common examples of premises liability cases include:

• Slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet floors, ice, or uneven surfaces.
• Trip hazards such as loose carpeting, cluttered walkways, or poorly lit stairwells.
• Negligent security leading to assaults or robberies in parking lots or apartment complexes.
• Swimming pool accidents due to lack of fencing, supervision, or safety equipment.
• Dog bites or animal attacks on private property.
• Exposure to hazardous conditions, including toxic chemicals or faulty wiring.

While accidents happen, property owners have a legal duty to address hazards promptly and warn visitors of potential dangers. When they fail to do so, victims may have a strong case for compensation.

North Carolina Premises Liability Laws

Premises liability laws vary by state, and North Carolina has its own rules that determine when a property owner may be held liable. Understanding these laws is crucial for a successful claim.

Duty of Care Depends on Visitor Status

• Invitees: Customers in stores, clients in offices, and others invited for business purposes are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must actively inspect for hazards and fix them.
• Licensees: Social guests or people entering for non-business purposes are still owed a duty of care, but property owners are mainly required to warn them of known dangers.
• Trespassers: In most cases, property owners owe little duty to trespassers, except not to willfully cause harm. However, special rules apply to children (the “attractive nuisance” doctrine, such as an unfenced pool).

Contributory Negligence Rule

North Carolina follows the strict contributory negligence doctrine, which means that if the injured person is even 1% at fault for their injuries, they may be barred from recovering compensation. Insurance companies often use this rule to deny claims, making it critical to have a skilled attorney who can build a strong case.

Statute of Limitations

In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation.

Compensation from a Premises Liability Claim

When you are injured because of unsafe property conditions, the costs can add up quickly. A successful premises liability claim can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.
• Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for long-term impairments that affect your ability to live independently or pursue your career.
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one dies due to unsafe property conditions, surviving family members may pursue funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Our team at Comerford Chilson & Moser carefully evaluates every aspect of your case to ensure you seek the full amount of compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Premises Liability Claim FAQs

What should I do after being injured on someone else’s property?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Then, report the incident to the property owner or manager, take photos of the hazardous condition, collect witness information, and contact a Greensboro premises liability lawyer to evaluate your case.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for my accident?

In North Carolina, contributory negligence laws make it very difficult to recover damages if you share any fault. That’s why it’s important to have an attorney who can gather evidence and fight back against insurance companies that may try to blame you.

How long does it take to resolve a premises liability case?

It depends on the complexity of your case. Some claims may settle within a few months, while others require litigation and may take a year or more. Our firm works diligently to resolve cases efficiently while still fighting for maximum compensation.

Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability claim?

While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, having one significantly improves your chances of success. Property owners and insurance companies often dispute these claims, and a skilled attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.

What if I was injured at a friend’s or family member’s home?

You can still pursue a claim. In most cases, the compensation comes from their homeowner’s insurance policy, not directly from your friend or family member.

Contact a Greensboro Premises Liability Attorney Today

If you were injured on unsafe property in Greensboro, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Comerford Chilson & Moser, we understand how overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and physical pain can be after an accident. Our dedicated team is here to protect your rights, investigate your claim, and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at (336) 568-8779 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Greensboro premises liability lawyer.