Premises liability is a legal concept relating to injuries that occur on someone’s property. If an individual does not take a reasonable amount of care of their property, they can be held accountable for any injuries that occur on it. In this instance, anyone who gets injured on the property can sue for damages.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has comprehensive experience with premises liability cases. To learn more, contact our Beaufort personal injury lawyer. We can also review your premises liability claim and help you decide whether to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Beaufort Legal Cases that Fall Under the Premises Liability Umbrella
There is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to premises liability cases. Situations in which a person may file a premises liability lawsuit include:
- An individual gets injured after slipping and falling on a slick surface at someone else’s house.
- A person gets injured due to a defective elevator at an apartment complex.
- An individual falls on slick stairs in an office building.
A Beaufort premises liability lawyer can give you lots of case examples. The lawyer treats every case as an individual entity. Thus, the lawyer will take as much time as needed to review your case and help you determine if you have a strong argument against an at-fault party.
A Look at “Duty of Care” and How It Relates to Premises Liability Cases in Beaufort
In a premises liability case, the concept of “duty of care” may be brought up frequently. This concept centers around the idea that an individual is legally required to take care of their property. As such, this individual must do their part to keep their property safe at all times.
The duty of care concept applies across three categories of people who can enter a person’s property:
- Invitees: These individuals are invited by a person to visit their property, and it is expected that the property is safe for them to visit.
- Licensees: These people have an individual’s expressed or implied consent to enter a property. An individual has less of a duty of care to a licensee than an invitee to warn them about any unsafe conditions on their property.
- Trespassers: These are people who illegally enter a person’s property. If a trespasser is injured on someone else’s property, this individual cannot seek damages.
A premises liability attorney in Beaufort can explain the differences between invitees, licensees, and trespassers in detail. The lawyer can even provide additional resources to help you with your personal injury lawsuit. If you are ready to file a premises liability lawsuit, the attorney can help you do just that, too.
How an Attorney Handles a Beaufort Premises Liability Lawsuit
A premises liability lawyer in Beaufort treats each case as an opportunity to pursue justice. The lawyer meets with the client to discuss the case and learn about all aspects of the injury and the incident behind it. Next, the lawyer files their client’s lawsuit, and both parties prepare for court.
In the time leading up to a trial date, a premises liability lawyer will help their client:
- Gather evidence that highlights any property hazards that contributed to the incident that caused the plaintiff’s injury and other relevant information
- Look for witnesses who can attest to the pain and suffering an injury has caused the plaintiff
- Explain what their client should expect when they take the stand during their trial
A premises liability lawyer allocates significant time, energy, and resources to prepare their client for their trial date. At the same time, the lawyer remains open to negotiations with a defendant. If a defendant comes forward with a settlement offer, the lawyer will urge the client to review it.
What to Do When You Receive a Settlement Proposal in a Beaufort Premises Liability Case
You are not required to make a quick decision about a settlement. Instead, it is beneficial to review the offer with your attorney. Then, you can decide on which of these options best suits your personal interests:
- Approving the Offer: By accepting the offer, you give up your right to seek further damages, and you may receive only a portion of the compensation you initially requested.
- Declining the Offer: If you reject the offer, you and your attorney keep preparing your argument for your trial.
- Countering the Offer: Once you counter the offer, you give the defendant the opportunity to accept a proposal that aligns with your best interests.
Your attorney cannot decide on a settlement offer for you. Fortunately, your lawyer can share their legal insights and experiences with you. In doing so, your attorney can help you make the best decision possible on a settlement proposal.
Why It Pays to Have a Top-Notch Beaufort Premises Liability Attorney at Your Side
There is no telling how a premises liability lawsuit will turn out. Even if you believe you have a strong argument, you still have to present your case to a judge or jury. If you make even a single mistake along the way, you risk missing out on your opportunity to secure damages.
Ultimately, it is paramount to hire a premises liability attorney that has a great track record and maintains a personal rapport with their clients. This attorney will make you feel comfortable as you move through the legal process. Most importantly, the lawyer will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to help you get the damages you want.
If you are on the fence about filing a premises liability lawsuit, consult with an attorney. This allows you to provide details about your legal claim and learn what the lawyer has to offer. If there is a good fit for all involved, you can hire this attorney and move forward with your lawsuit.
Hire a Proven Premises Liability Lawyer
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can connect you with a premises liability attorney with more than 10 years of experience. Our attorney will help you address any legal challenges that come your way. To request a free consultation, please contact us today.
