Charlotte Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Attorney in Charlotte, NC

Some accidents happen because of negligence, and they can result in life-altering injuries. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a property owner in the Charlotte area, you should consult a Charlotte premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. You may be able to file a personal injury claim and recover damages for your injury.

About Steven T. Meier, PLLC

At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we have been serving clients in Charlotte and the surrounding area for more than 20 years. We bring competence, confidence, and deep knowledge of the legal process to every case we take on. With our office conveniently located on South Boulevard in Charlotte, we help our neighbors navigate legal challenges with the care and empathy they deserve. With a strong track record of success, our Charlotte personal injury lawyer is ready to help you, too.

What Is Premises Liability in North Carolina?

The concept of premises liability refers to the responsibility of a property owner or business operator to make sure the premises are reasonably safe for people who visit, whether for business or personal reasons. Property or business owners may be held liable for injuries that result from neglecting this duty.

Suppose you are walking outside your apartment on a cold winter day, when you slip and fall on ice, breaking your leg. The ice you slipped on is there because of a faulty gutter that allowed standing water to build up on the sidewalk. In this situation, because the property owner failed to repair the gutter, which caused an unnatural buildup of ice, you would likely be able to file a personal injury claim under premises liability statutes.

What Kinds of Personal Injury Cases Can Result From Premises Liability?

A wide range of personal injury cases can draw on the concept of premises liability. Some of the most common include the following:

• Slip and fall: Falls can be serious. In 2023, nearly 9 million people were seen in U.S. emergency rooms for fall-related injuries.
• Dog bites: Property owners have a responsibility to make sure their dogs pose no threat to the public, even when they are not at home. If you were bitten by a dog on someone else’s property and sustained injuries, you likely have a solid personal injury case.
• Falling objects or unsafe flooring: If an accident is caused by an unsafe walking area at a property (uneven stairs, obstacles, etc.) or by something that should have been secured but fell on you, the property or business owner likely violated their premises liability duties.

What Damages Can Be Awarded in a Premises Liability Case?

If you are injured on someone else’s property, you may face significant financial losses. These include medical bills for immediate care (emergency room, surgery, hospital stay) and medical bills for any ongoing care (rehabilitation, physical therapy). You may also lose wages if you are unable to work for a time because of the injury. Lastly, you may be entitled to damages from pain and suffering or psychological trauma.

What Should You Do Immediately Following an Incident?

The first thing to do following an accident is to get the medical care you need. If you are able, you should also get the property or business owner’s insurance information. If there were any witnesses to the incident, it may also benefit you to get their contact information so they can provide statements later.

The next step is to file a claim with the business or property owner’s insurance company. Business and home insurance both typically include coverage for accidents that happen on the premises. Finally, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Why You Should Hire a Charlotte Premises Liability Lawyer

Insurance companies do everything they can to pay as little as possible on every claim. Even if you receive a settlement from the insurance company, it is not likely to actually cover all of your losses. In order to get the settlement that you need to pick up with life where you left off, you should hire a premises liability lawyer. Your attorney can communicate with the insurance company for you, help you build your case and file your claim, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

FAQs

How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?

Pain and suffering are usually calculated using either the multiplier method or the per diem method. In the multiplier method, all of the financial losses are multiplied by a number chosen based on the overall impact of the injury on the victim’s life. In the per diem method, pain and suffering are calculated based on the amount of money the victim would typically make in a day.

Does Premises Liability Apply in North Carolina if the Victim Was Trespassing?

No, premises liability does not generally apply if the person who got hurt was trespassing. A property owner is not responsible for the safety of people who are unlawfully on their property. However, property owners are not legally allowed to intentionally make their property hazardous to trespassers.

Is Premises Liability Hard to Prove?

No, in most cases, it is not difficult to prove a property owner or business operator neglected their duty of care. However, it may be difficult to prove that their negligence was the direct cause of a personal injury. This is why it is important to enlist the help of an attorney to build your personal injury case.

Do Most Premises Liability Cases Go to Court?

No, most premises liability personal injury cases are settled out of court. In fact, only about 3 to 5% of personal injury cases as a whole go to trial. Your attorney can research your case, communicate with the insurance companies, and be fully prepared to go to trial, but it is more likely than not that the case will settle long before reaching that stage.

Contact a Charlotte Premises Liability Lawyer at Steven T. Meier, PLLC Today

If you have been injured on someone else’s property and the injury resulted from negligence, you may be concerned about the financial impact on yourself and your family. To the fullest extent possible, your compensation should allow you to move forward as if the incident never happened. At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we can help you get the settlement you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward a full recovery.