Lincoln is one of the safer capital cities in the U.S. However, there are still plenty of ways you could become injured on someone else’s property. From shopping at Gateway Mall and eating out at one of the restaurants in the Haymarket District to attending an event at Antelope Park, injuries can happen anywhere.
Have you been injured on someone else’s property in Lincoln? You may be able to collect damages to cover medical expenses and more. Experienced premises liability lawyers know how to help injured people get the compensation they deserve.
Premises liability cases can be complex. Get the guidance you need from start to finish by working with an experienced personal injury attorney. Our customized approach has yielded positive results in the Lincoln area since 1962.
The Premises Liability Process
A premises liability case arises when someone is injured due to a dangerous condition on another person’s property, and the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn visitors.
A premises liability lawyer carefully investigates the accident to determine who is liable for the damages. Research may include talking to eyewitnesses, examining medical records, and seeking expert opinions.
At Friedman Law Offices, we build strong cases for injured people. Our team will ensure a case is not settled with too little compensation. If necessary, we will take the case to trial, present it before a judge, and seek the best possible outcome for our client.
Types of Visitors in Premises Liability Cases
There are three general types of visitors in premises liability cases:
- Invitees: Customers in a public area or commercial business during business hours
- Licensees: Visitors who are allowed on someone else’s property, such as a friend or relative
- Trespassers: People who go on someone else’s property uninvited and are not permitted to be there
Determining the type of visitor is important because it determines the level of care that the property owner must give the visitor. For example, an invitee is owed a higher level of care than a licensee. Trespassers are generally owed only a duty to avoid willful or wanton harm, though property owners may owe additional duties to child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine.
Determining Negligence in Premises Liability Cases
When investigating the accident, a lawyer looks for these three factors:
- Was there a hazardous condition that caused an injury?
- Did the property owner know about the condition and fail to fix it or warn visitors about it?
- Did the property owner have a reasonable amount of time to fix the issue before the accident occurred?
If the evidence shows the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard, failed to address it, and that failure caused the injury, they may be held liable.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
There are several different types of premises liability cases, including:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: People can easily slip and fall on icy sidewalks, wet floors in fast-food restaurants, and store aisles obstructed with merchandise.
- Falling Object or Structural Failure Accidents: These are accidents that involve structural failures, such as collapsing ceilings or unsafe fixtures, and objects falling on people from high places.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Drowning and near-drowning injuries can occur due to a lack of proper fencing and unsafe conditions around swimming pools.
- Animal Bites: Dog attacks, such as a case involving a woman in Lincoln who required surgery after the attack, could lead to a premises liability lawsuit.
- Negligent Security Cases: High-risk areas, such as a dark airport parking lot or a poorly lit walkway on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, can result in theft or assault. In some cases, the property owner may be held liable.
As premises liability attorneys in Lincoln, we have helped injured people hold property owners accountable for their neglect. It does not matter if they are residential, commercial, or government property owners. We help bring justice to injured individuals.
Common Injuries in a Premises Liability Case
Although all cases are unique, specific common injuries are frequently seen in premises liability cases. Some of these injuries are severe and can lead to a lifetime of pain and other medical consequences.
- Fractures: When someone falls, broken or fractured bones can occur. In some cases, broken bones can lead to extensive and costly rehabilitation.
- Lacerations and Burns: Severe cuts and burns can cause a great deal of pain and permanent scarring.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): If something heavy falls on a person’s head, or if someone falls and injures their head, they could experience long-term impairments, including memory loss and balance issues.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: If the spinal cord is injured during an accident, the injured person could be paralyzed, requiring multiple procedures and extensive medical care throughout the rest of their life.
- Emotional Trauma: Psychological harm, including anxiety and PTSD, can result from bad accidents, dog attacks, and assaults caused by negligent security.
We understand that you have been through a lot. Our team will listen and provide exceptional legal support to make a real difference in your life.
Damages in a Premises Liability Case
Our premises liability lawyers are skilled at determining the total amount of damages from an accident. Damages may include:
- Medical bills related to the injury, including ongoing medical care
- Lost wages and loss of the ability to earn wages
- Repair or replacement costs of personal property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
Once we have determined your damages, we fight for the best possible outcome. Our goal is to help you recover from your losses without unnecessary financial stress.
Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Nebraska
The first step in a premises liability case is to seek the medical care you need after you have been injured. There are many medical facilities in Lincoln where you can find help, including:
After you have received medical attention, get in touch with a Lincoln premises liability attorney who can explain your rights and legal options.
It is wise to gather as much evidence as possible concerning the accident, such as medical reports, hospital bills, and photographs of the hazardous area. Any evidence can be crucial to building and strengthening your case.
In Nebraska, you have up to four years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability claim. However, it is always better to seek legal assistance as soon as possible, so your lawyer can begin an investigation while the incident is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
Talk to a Lincoln Lawyer About Your Premises Liability Case
Get the legal assistance you need today. Lincoln premises liability lawyers at Friedman Law Offices are available to evaluate your case and help determine if you can pursue compensation for your losses.
Get personalized legal representation from a trusted law firm. Start today by scheduling your free consultation.