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No matter where you are in Grand Rapids, property owners and their agents have a responsibility to reasonably ensure the safety of people on the premises. This means handling potential slip and fall hazards, minimizing dog bite risks, and preventing other harm on their property, whether commercial or residential. However, our Grand Rapids personal injury lawyers
If you were injured on a property because the owner failed to take reasonable care, you could file a claim for damages. Christensen Law’s Grand Rapids premises liability lawyers are here to help you navigate the process and recover the compensation you deserve.
How Premises Liability Laws Work for Grand Rapids Cases
Premises liability refers to the duty a property owner has to maintain safe premises for visitors. For example, a property owner may establish policies or procedures to prevent icy sidewalks outside their business to minimize slip and fall injuries.
When a property owner allows dangerous conditions to occur or persist on the premises, they can be responsible for injuries that arise as a result. Filing a premises liability claim in Michigan generally requires proving the four elements of negligence:
- Duty of care: The property owner had a duty to reasonably maintain the property in a safe condition.
- Violation of duty: The property owner failed to reasonably maintain the property’s safety.
- Causation: The property owner’s violation of the duty of care led to your injuries.
- Damages: You suffered losses because of the injuries you sustained on the property because of the owner’s violation of the duty of care.
A Grand Rapids premises liability attorney with Christensen Law helps you understand the elements of negligence and how they apply to your case. We are committed to helping injured people obtain the compensation they need after an accident. Let us leverage our extensive knowledge and resources to secure your future after an accident on someone else’s property.
Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
Michigan premises liability laws hold property owners liable for the safety of invitees and licensees, but not for trespassers. Invitees are people on the premises for commercial or business purposes. Licensees are people invited to the property for social visits, such as parties.
Trespassers are people on the premises illegally, so the property owner does not have the same level of duty of care to these parties. There are some exceptions in this scenario, however. For example, children are exempted from this rule. A property owner does have a duty to reasonably prevent harm to children who may trespass on the property, since the children may not know better.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Injuries in Grand Rapids
Slip and fall accidents are a common reason for premises liability claims, but any hazardous condition on the property can lead to an accident. A property owner who does not prevent or warn of such hazards places people at risk of injury. Examples of situations that could cause slip and fall premises liability injuries include:
- Slippery or frozen outdoor surfaces
- Uneven pavers, bricks, or concrete blocks
- Potholes and bumps in parking areas
- Stairs, ramps, or elevated surfaces without protective railings
- Dangerous conditions without warning signs or tape
- Material spills, debris, or objects in walkways and aisles
Dog bites are another type of premises liability claim. Dog bites have unique laws, making them different from many other injury claims. Dog owners are strictly liable for the harm caused by the pet, even if they dog has no history of aggression. These claims are still complex, and our team can guide you through these nuanced claims.
No matter what kind of premises liability claim you have in Grand Rapids, or team is prepared to help.
Filing a Claim for a Premises Liability Accident in Grand Rapids
You typically have two options for recovering damages after an accident on someone else’s property: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Insurance Claims
Property owners usually carry liability coverage for situations like this. You can file a claim for economic damages, like medical expenses. However, insurance companies are motivated to pay as little as possible. They rarely offer a fair settlement right out the door and may try to push you into accepting a lower payout. What’s more, settlement agreements usually include a release of liability, which prevents you from seeking any additional compensation.
Our premises liability lawyers in Grand Rapids aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, so you don’t leave money on the table.
Personal Injury Lawsuits
To receive a fair payout for your injuries, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Although many personal injury claims settle before trial, we want to ensure you have the best chance for a fair outcome. We will file a lawsuit and fight for your rights during negotiations and trial proceedings, if necessary. A lawsuit could address additional damages not covered by a property owner’s insurance, like emotional harm.
Seeking Damages Through a Grand Rapids Premises Liability Case
The costs of an unexpected injury can mount quickly even as you struggle to pay your normal bills. You may need emergency medical care and treatment that could cause you to miss work.
Christensen Law’s premises liability lawyers in Grand Rapids aim to help you recover financially from these losses. A premises liability case lets you seek compensation for all the losses you suffered because of a property owner’s negligence. Losses we recover in premises liability claims include:
Injury Treatment and Rehabilitation
When you sustain injuries on someone else’s property, you could recover compensation for medical expenses. Covered medical costs could include everything from hospital stays and surgery to medication, assistive equipment, and rehabilitation.
Our premises liability attorneys help you receive medical treatment, compile medical records, and gather billing statements to support your claim for medical damages.
Income Loss and Diminished Work Capacity
A premises liability injury can cause you to miss work while you receive treatment and undergo rehabilitative therapy. Serious injuries such as spinal damage, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term consequences and impairment.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may have grounds to pursue current and future income losses, including reduced income capacity.
Loss of Quality of Life and Non-Economic Damages
Your losses in a premises liability claim extend to more than financial damages. Your injuries may cause physical pain and discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You may be unable to engage in activities you once enjoyed. All these factors can combine to significantly diminish your quality of life.
At Christensen Law, we understand the negative effects a sudden injury can have on your life, especially if you face a long recovery. Rest assured, our premises liability lawyers in Grand Rapids will pursue fair compensation for any and all of your losses.
Comprehensive Support From Compassionate Grand Rapids Premises Liability Lawyers
Christensen Law’s dedicated personal injury attorneys have been fighting for injury victims for more than 30 years. We have established a reputation for successful representation, as our case results show.
Since 1991, we have recovered millions of dollars and settlements for our personal injury clients. Our firm is interested in getting justice for your injuries, rather than settling for less. We will leverage all our extensive knowledge and resources to get the results you need after a premises liability injury.
Legal Assistance at No Upfront Cost
Christensen Law understands the financial stress that comes with an unexpected injury. We manage every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to building your claim, negotiating with insurers, and representing you at court. Our firm covers the cost of litigation upfront. We only receive payment from your final settlement or award when we win your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Our legal team has experience proving premises liability claims. These cases rely on proving that the property owner’s negligence caused your injuries. Our premises liability attorneys in Grand Rapids obtain witness testimony, police reports, photos, and videos to show how the accident led to your injuries and associated losses.
Negotiators and Trial Attorneys
The premises liability attorneys at Christensen Law are confident negotiators and trial attorneys. We approach every case as if it is going to trial, and we are prepared to go to court to recover the compensation you deserve.
Timeline for Filing a Grand Rapids Premises Liability Claim
Michigan’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is usually three years from the date your injury occurred. The timeline can vary depending on the specifics of your case, but if you miss the deadline, you could lose the chance for compensation.
The dedicated premises liability attorneys at Christensen Law are well-versed in state and local laws. We help you understand which deadlines apply to your claim and ensure your case is filed timely.
Steps to Take After an Accident on Someone Else’s Property in Grand Rapids
If you sustain injuries on someone else’s property, your first priority is your health. Call 911 if your injury is serious and requires ambulance transportation. If your injuries permit, take the following steps to protect your legal right to compensation:
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene
- Obtain names and contact information for the business owner or management
- Take down the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident
- Avoid claiming fault for your injuries or downplaying your injury severity
- Do not make a statement until you speak with your attorney
- Do not sign any statements, agreements, or waivers before you consult with your lawyer
- Call a premises liability lawyer in Grand Rapids as soon as possible
Even if you feel fine, injuries from a premises liability accident can appear days or weeks later. Seek medical attention right away and follow your doctor’s orders for the full recovery period. If you have questions about your next steps, Christensen Law’s legal team is available to provide the answers you need.
Arrange Your Free Case Review With a Grand Rapids Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises liability claims can be complicated and frustrating. Christensen Law takes the time to listen to your story and understand what you are going through. Our legal team is here to protect your legal rights and recover the compensation you need after an accident on someone else’s property.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our premises liability attorneys in Grand Rapids. We will review your case details and provide you with sound legal advice so you can make an educated decision about your future.
