Northwest Indiana Premises Liability Lawyers
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners accountable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to negligence. At the Paul Rossi Law Offices, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have been injured in slip & fall accidents and other premises liability issues. With over 75 years of combined experience, our skilled attorneys advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability pertains to the responsibility of property owners to maintain safe environments for visitors. When they fail to do so, resulting in accidents such as slip & falls, they can be held legally liable. This liability encompasses a wide range of incidents, including those caused by hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poorly lit areas and more.
How Slip & Fall Injuries Occur
Slip & fall injuries often arise from poor premise management. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors without adequate warning signs
- Uneven or damaged walkways
- Poor lighting in hallways or staircases
- Debris or obstacles left in walking paths
- Lack of proper handrails on stairs
When property owners neglect these hazards, the risk of severe injury increases significantly.
Types of Injuries in Slip & Fall Accidents
Slip & fall accidents can lead to various injuries, some of which may have long-term consequences, including:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Dislocations
- In worst-case scenarios, wrongful death
The severity of these injuries underscores the importance of holding negligent property owners accountable. Indiana law requires property owners to fulfill a duty of care so their premises are reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail in this duty and an individual is injured as a result, the property owner may be held liable for damages.Â
Proving Negligence
To have a successful slip & fall claim in Indiana, you must prove that the property owner was negligent. This involves establishing the following elements:
- Existence of Hazardous Condition: Demonstrate that a dangerous condition existed on the property at the time of the accident.
- Property Owner’s Negligence: Show that the property owner failed to address or warn about the hazard, constituting negligence.
- Causation: Establish a direct link between the hazardous condition and your injuries.
- Damages: Quantify the damages suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Evidence to Support Your Claim
Strong evidence is crucial for a successful premises liability claim. Essential evidence includes:
- Photographs of the accident scene and hazardous condition
- Medical records detailing your injuries
- Witness statements
- Incident reports
- Surveillance footage, if available
Our team at the Paul Rossi Law Offices is adept at gathering and presenting this evidence to build a robust case on your behalf.
Call Our Attorneys Today
If you have been injured in a slip & fall accident, the Paul Rossi Law Offices is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, advocate for your rights, and strive to secure the compensation you need to recover. Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you.
FAQs About Premises Liability in Indiana
How Can I Tell If I Have a Valid Premises Liability Claim?
Premises liability ensures property owners are accountable for injuries resulting from hazardous conditions they failed to address. To have a valid claim, you need to show that the property owner knew—or reasonably should have known—about the hazard and failed to address it.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured?
First things first: prioritize your health. Get medical attention immediately, even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first. Some conditions can take time to appear. Next, inform the property owner or manager as soon as possible. If you can, take photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury.
How Do I Prove the Property Owner Was Negligent?
Proving negligence means showing that:
- The property owner had an obligation to maintain a safe environment.
- They failed to meet that responsibility by allowing a dangerous condition to exist.
- This failure directly caused your injury.
- Evidence like maintenance records, witness statements and video footage can go a long way in supporting your case.
What Injuries Can Result from a Slip-and-Fall Accident?
Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries, from minor scrapes to life-altering conditions. These include broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord damage, injuries that often require extensive treatment and can have ongoing impacts on your health and well-being.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Navigating a premises liability claim alone can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. Our legal team will thoroughly examine your case, gather evidence and fight for your rights against insurance companies. We’re prepared to hold negligent property owners accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.