West Seneca Premises Liability Lawyers

The concept of premises liability is not complicated; it refers to the legal responsibility property owners have to maintain safe conditions for those who enter their property. Premises liability cases can involve slip and falls, inadequate maintenance, poor security, or other unsafe conditions on commercial, residential, or public property.  

New York premises liability laws aim to hold property owners accountable when their negligence causes harm. Establishing liability involves proving certain claims, which can be challenging without experienced legal guidance. The West Seneca premises liability lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys represent clients in these cases, explaining their legal options and helping them build strong cases for compensation.

What Exactly Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners or occupiers accountable for injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property. These cases typically arise when an individual is injured due to hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, broken stairs, or falling objects. Property owners owe a duty of care to individuals who lawfully enter their premises, which means they must maintain safe conditions and address potential hazards in a timely manner.

To succeed in a premises liability case, an injured person must demonstrate that the property owner was negligent. This involves showing that the owner knew or should have known about the unsafe condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it. Cases involving premises liability require careful examination of evidence, including maintenance records, witness statements, and surveillance footage.

How Do I Prove Negligence in a Premises Liability Case?

To establish negligence, an injured party must demonstrate four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. 

• The property owner must owe a duty of care to the injured individual. For example, business owners owe a duty to customers who enter their premises to shop.
• The injured party must show that the property owner breached this duty by failing to maintain safe conditions or warn of known hazards.
• Causation must be shown. This means proving that the unsafe condition directly caused the injury. For instance, if someone slipped on an unmarked wet floor and sustained injuries, they would need to demonstrate that the fall was caused by the property owner’s failure to address or warn about the hazard. 
• The injured party must show that they suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.

Our West Seneca premises liability lawyers work closely with clients and gather evidence to prove all four facets of establishing negligence in these cases.

What Are Common Examples of Premises Liability Cases?

Premises liability cases cover a wide range of scenarios. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common, often caused by wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces. Other examples include injuries resulting from defective staircases, insufficient lighting, or falling debris. Inadequate security can also give rise to premises liability claims, particularly if someone is injured during a criminal act due to the property owner’s failure to implement reasonable security measures.

Another example involves swimming pool accidents, which may occur due to insufficient barriers or lack of supervision. Dog bites can also fall under premises liability if the property owner fails to control or restrain their pet. Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding the injury will determine the injured party’s legal strategy.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Premises Liability Case?

Liability in a premises liability case typically rests with the property owner or occupier, but the specific party responsible depends on the circumstances. For example, in a commercial setting like a retail store, the business owner may be held liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions. In residential settings, a landlord or homeowner could be responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their property.

In some cases, liability may extend to third parties. For instance, if a property management company is responsible for maintaining a building and fails to address safety hazards, it could be held accountable. To determine liability, our West Seneca premises liability lawyers complete thorough investigations of the property’s ownership and maintenance responsibilities.

What Should I Do After a Premises Liability Accident in West Seneca?

If you are injured on someone else’s property, there are steps you should take to protect your rights. 

• Seek medical attention immediately to address your injuries and document them. Prompt medical care not only protects your health but creates a record of the harm you suffered. 
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager. This creates an official record of the accident, which can be valuable evidence in your case.
• Gathering evidence is another critical step. Take photographs of the hazardous condition that caused your injury, as well as the surrounding area. If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. 
• Keep records of any expenses related to your injury, including medical bills and lost income. 

Contact our West Seneca premises liability lawyers to determine your next steps and evaluate your legal options.

How Long Do I Have to File a Premises Liability Claim in New York?

The statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim in New York is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that an injured party has three years to initiate legal action against the property owner or responsible party. Failing to file a claim within this time frame could result in losing the right to seek compensation.

It is important to note that certain factors can affect the statute of limitations. For example, if the injured party is a minor, the time frame may be extended. Additionally, if the property involved is owned by a government entity, shorter time limits and specific notice requirements may apply. We recommend starting the claim process quickly because delays are common, and you do not want to risk missing any legal deadlines.

Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys: Knowledgeable West Seneca Premises Liability Lawyers Who Care About Their Clients

If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, the West Seneca premises liability lawyers at Dan Chiacchia Injury Attorneys are here to assist you. For a free initial consultation, call our Hamburg, New York office at 716-648-3030 or submit our online form. We proudly serve clients in West Seneca, Orchard Park, Lackawanna, Cheektowaga, Erie County, and the rest of the county.