Accidents on another party’s property can leave you with serious injuries that can limit your mobility and cause financial stress. They can also leave you uncertain about what to do next and your options for recovering your losses.
A premises liability lawyer in Meridian can come alongside you and help you through the legal process while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Siegfried & Jensen has 35 years of experience fighting for clients who have had their lives affected by accidents. When you have been wrongfully injured, you deserve a Meridian personal injury lawyer who can tirelessly advocate for you so you can hold the property owners responsible for your accident accountable. We provide exceptional service that keeps the focus on you and the results you need.
Property Owners are Responsible for Maintaining Their Premises
Both residential and commercial property owners are responsible for managing and maintaining their properties at all times. When premises aren’t taken care of, they can fall into disrepair and present serious hazards to outside parties who visit the property.
If an owner knows, or should have reason to know, that there is a potential danger, they can be held accountable if an injury occurs.
Property owners are expected to take reasonable steps to resolve issues as they arise, as well as prevent harm. Slippery or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and negligent security measures are just a few of the conditions that can contribute to property-related accidents. Regardless of what caused the accident, though, if you have been injured on another party’s property, it is important to gather evidence.
In a legal case, property owners can try to avoid taking responsibility by claiming a lack of knowledge or claiming the danger was open and obvious to any reasonable person. As such, gathering strong evidence allows you to hold at-fault property owners liable more easily. It also ensures that your claim is supported.
For a free legal consultation with a premises liability lawyer serving Meridian, call (801) 266-0999
Types of Guests and The Level of Care Property Owners Owe Them
While Meridian property owners owe visitors a level of care and safety, their liability is heavily influenced by how guests on their property are classified. For example, invitees are owed the strongest level of care because they are on the property in a mutually beneficial capacity. Individuals conducting business or visitors on a property for a shared purpose (e.g., grocery stores and retail) fall into this category.
Licensees are granted a more limited scope of care because these individuals do not share a business purpose. They may be allowed on a property for personal or social purposes.
They may also assume a level of liability themselves. Property owners should share potential hazards that a guest can encounter, but they are not expected to provide the same level of safety as is shown to invitees.
Trespassers are shown the least amount of care since they have no legal right to be on a property. If they are injured, they may not have legal grounds for a claim. However, if a property owner is aware of a trespasser’s presence, they must do what they can to ensure safety. Additionally, owners could be held liable if steps aren’t taken to minimize the risk of property assets that can attract child trespassers.
Meridian Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Establishing Property Owner Liability for Your Injuries
A Meridian premises liability lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen helps you hold property owners liable when your accident was the result of their negligence. Working with a lawyer generally helps you secure better results in your case because they can anticipate potential challenges and build a strategic case that proactively minimizes the risk of pushback.
During your case, your lawyer builds your claim on a foundation of four elements. The first element shows exactly what level of care you were owed while you were on the property, while the second element provides evidence of how they breached it. The third element shows that the accident was the direct result of their actions, and the final one shows your damages and their liability for them.
When these requirements are satisfactorily met, compensation can be recovered, and your case can be settled. However, it is important to note that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your case could take longer and your recovery could be reduced.
Under the laws of modified comparative negligence in Idaho, you can recover reduced damages only if you’re 49% or less at fault for the event.
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A Meridian Premises Liability Attorney Helps You Pursue Damages After an Accident
Accidents on another party’s property can cause extensive losses that result in steep expenses. Medical care alone can make up a considerable portion of your losses.
You don’t have to bear these losses on your own, though, when you pursue compensation in a premises liability claim. Some of the most common damages you can sue for after an accident in Idaho include:
- Medical expenses, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Medications and medical equipment and accommodations
- Lost wages or earning capacity when injuries prevent you from working
- Cost to replace or repair damaged personal belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Decreased enjoyment and quality of life
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Loss of consortium
Your lawyer can help determine which losses apply to your situation and how much they are worth. Our team negotiates for you to secure a fair settlement that covers all or most of your losses and eases your financial strain.
However, it is important to reach out soon after your accident so you can protect your recovery by initiating a claim within the two-year statute of limitations period (Idaho Statute § 5-219(4)).
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Siegfried & Jensen Provide Legal Representation You Can Trust
When you need compassionate and skilled legal representation that you can trust, Siegfried & Jensen is ready to talk with you about your case and help you get results.
We provide support and clarity during an unsettled season in your life, and ensure that your rights and outcome are fiercely protected. Contact a premises liability attorney in Meridian today to set up a free case evaluation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form