If you were injured on someone else’s property and you believe that the property owner was negligent, you may be able to sue for compensation. Sometimes a property owner knows that there is a safety hazard on their land, but they do nothing to fix it. If you got hurt because of someone else’s inaction, then work with a Fayetteville, Arkansas personal injury lawyer to hold them accountable.
What Kind of Safety Hazard Could Cause an Accident?
A property owner should be prepared to deal with any kind of safety hazard that pops up. Dangerous conditions can easily be caused by:
- Damaged walkways and stairs
- Broken handrails
- Unsafe electrical wiring
- Spills and slipping hazards
- Poor security
- Inadequate lighting
- Building code or fire code violations
A property owner who knows about a safety hazard and does not address it is putting anyone who steps onto their property in danger.
How Long Do I Have to Sue a Property Owner?
You actually do not have unlimited time to act here. If you decide to sue a property owner, you must begin legal action within three years of the date of your accident. This is due to the statute of limitations.
That seems like a long time, but we still recommend acting quickly. The faster you start to build a case, the sooner you can get your compensation. Plus, it can be easier for your lawyer to gather crucial evidence and talk to any witnesses if you start your lawsuit soon after you get hurt.
What Evidence Do I Need Against the Property Owner?
When suing a property owner, you need to be able to prove a few important things. You want to make sure that you can build a case that shows that:
- The defendant owned the property
- There was a safety hazard
- The owner did not do anything to address the safety hazard
- You were on the property lawfully
- You were using the property for its intended purpose
- You were injured
These are all important things to show if you want to prove liability. If the defendant can argue that you were not invited onto their property or that you were misusing the property when you were injured, that can poke holes in your case.
What Should My Compensation Cover After I Am Injured By a Safety Hazard?
Your compensation should cover all of your expenses stemming from the accident. It should also help make up for the psychic toll that the accident took on you. A fair offer should compensate you for:
- Your medical expenses
- Any paychecks you missed while you recovered
- Any loss of earning potential, if your injuries will affect your ability to work in the future
- Mental anguish
- Any other pain and suffering you experienced
Reach Out and Schedule Your Consultation
If you want to learn more about your legal options and how one of our experienced personal injury attorneys can help, contact the Knapp Law Firm. We are ready to help you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
