Getting injured on another party’s property can come as quite a shock when you expected to have a safe visit on the premises. From slip and falls to dog bites to negligent security and everything in between, these factors can contribute to serious injuries that can have lasting effects on your life. A premises liability lawyer in Reno can help you recover your losses and hold the at-fault party liable.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers has over 150 years of combined experience that we use to fiercely advocate for our clients and negotiate the most favorable case outcomes possible. If you have been injured on someone else’s property, a Reno personal injury lawyer has the experience and resources to help you pursue a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner who harmed you.
Determine If You Have a Premises Liability Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a property owner, it’s important that you contact an experienced Reno premises liability lawyer as soon as possible. The team at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers has successfully represented countless Nevadans who have been injured on someone else’s property, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.
Property owners in Reno, NV, must keep their premises safe for those who are lawfully allowed to be present on the property. This duty encompasses various responsibilities, including maintaining safe premises by removing hazards, addressing any existing dangerous conditions, and warning visitors of any dangers that cannot be immediately rectified.
If a property owner fails to live up to this duty and someone is injured as a result, the property owner can be held liable for the victim’s injuries. If you are unsure if your case qualifies, set up a free consultation with our lawyers to learn more about your legal rights. We can help you understand how to proceed, avoid common mistakes when filing a personal injury claim, and build a strong case.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
To file a premises liability claim, you must demonstrate the cause of the accident in order to show that the other party was negligent and responsible for your injuries. Our team can help you investigate the factors involved in the accident to determine how it occurred. We can also help gather evidence of the cause to support your case. Some common causes of premises accidents include:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents: Slippery surfaces, objects, poor lighting, damaged surfaces and handrails, and more can cause visitors to slip, trip, or fall on another party’s property.
- Elevator and escalator accidents: When elevators and escalators are not regularly maintained, inspected, or repaired as needed, these lifts can malfunction and cause serious injuries, including falls from great heights.
- Swimming pool accidents: Drains, fencing, and other pool components should be carefully monitored and quickly repaired if a hazard occurs. Clear signage of slippery surfaces and other dangers should also be present, and chemicals should be stored carefully in locked areas.
- Dog bite cases: Dog owners should control their animals at all times and make sure that their pets cannot hurt anyone. They can be held liable for negligence.
- Negligent security: Insufficient security personnel, broken or nonexistent security cameras, and poor lighting are a couple of examples of negligent security. These issues put guests at risk of injury or criminal activity.
- Toxic exposure: Hazardous substances and chemicals can put guests in danger through direct contact or inhaling fumes. Leaks should be fixed promptly.
- Falling objects: Objects that are not properly secured may fall from shelves or other heights, injuring or killing guests on the property.
If you’ve been injured in any type of accident on another person’s property, it’s important to contact an experienced Reno premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Once we have evidence showing the property owner was at fault, we can then build a claim that outlines the damages you suffered and negotiate a fair level of compensation on your behalf.
Common Injuries That Result from Premises Liability Accidents
Unsafe premises can cause a host of injuries that can affect individuals for a long time to come. These preventable injuries can range in severity and scope depending on the circumstances involved in the accident. Some common injuries caused by premises liability accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries can occur when an individual slips and falls or is exposed to a falling object. These and other causes can apply excessive force to the head, which in turn can cause serious injuries, and the impacts of traumatic brain injuries can be long-lasting.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can cause significant pain and affect a person’s mobility or ability to function. Trauma to the spine can disrupt the signals sent between the brain and body, compress nerves and discs, and more.
- Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury in premises liability accidents and can affect limbs and hips in particular. Falls and falling objects are common factors in these injuries.
- Soft tissue damage: Bruises, sprains, strains, tears, and other damage to soft tissues can occur and take time to heal. Some of these injuries can also contribute to discomfort later on, even after the initial injury has healed.
- Chronic pain: Some individuals may experience chronic pain that outlasts injury recovery. Chronic pain can significantly disrupt a victim’s life for an extended period of time or indefinitely and make it difficult to execute tasks or engage in activities.
- Burns: Burns from chemicals, electricity, or flames can cause first, second, or third-degree burns. These injuries not only cause excruciating pain, but they can also expose victims to the risk of infections and other complications.
- Conditions from exposure: If an individual is exposed to toxic chemicals, mold, or other hazardous substances, illnesses, organ damage, lung issues, and other adverse effects can develop, with severe consequences.
- Animal bites: Animal bites can cause serious pain and extensive damage. The biggest risks from animal bites are infection and transmission of potential diseases. Animal bites can also cause disfigurement.
Victims should receive prompt medical attention after suffering an injury on another party’s property. A swift response can prevent further damage from occurring. Even if your injuries are minor, seeking medical attention can provide peace of mind that serious conditions aren’t lurking below the surface. Medical care is also essential for a successful claim.
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Considerations When Establishing Liability in a Property Accident Claim
When you’re injured on someone else’s property due to negligence, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are all on you. The qualified team at Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers gathers evidence to determine who may be at fault. Many different factors must be considered when determining liability in a premises liability case, such as:
- Level of awareness the property owner had of the dangerous condition
- Level of awareness the property owner should have had of the dangerous condition
- Existing local building codes and whether or not the property owner complied with them
- Status of the victim
- Trespassing
- Case-specific facts and circumstances
These factors can help determine whether or not a property owner can be held liable for your injuries. We carefully investigate and review your case from every angle to ensure we gain a clear picture of what happened.
How a Reno Premises Liability Attorney Establishes Negligence in a Property Accident
As we walk you through what to expect in a personal injury case, we can also prepare you for how liability is established in your case. Not only is this a legal requirement, but it also can heavily impact the outcome of your case. With the evidence we’ve gathered, Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers builds a case based on four elements, which include:
- Duty of care: The first element creates the foundation of your case by showing what obligations a property owner had to keep you safe and what steps they were supposed to take to maintain a safe environment.
- Breach of duty: The next element shows that the property owner failed to act, or acted negligently, which was in direct opposition to their duty to you.
- Causation: This element is critical, as it shows that the property owner’s breach was the direct cause of your injuries, thereby linking their actions to your suffering.
- Damages: As the final step, the property owner is expected to pay for the damages they caused so you can recover your losses.
These steps build on one another so that a property owner’s negligence is thoroughly established as a fact in the case. A premises liability case cannot be resolved without identifying and establishing that your harm was caused by negligence. Once established, you can negotiate a fair settlement with the help of your lawyer.
Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Laws Govern Situations of Shared Fault
Under premises liability law, victims who contribute to accidents by careless or reckless actions of their own may be subject to reduced compensation or none at all, depending on the case.
Per NRS 41.141, parties who share fault have their compensation reduced in proportion to their level of involvement up to 50%, while parties who are 51% or more at fault are prohibited from recovering damages.
Damages Owed to You in a Premises Liability Case
Victims of a premises liability accident have the right to pursue full and fair damages for what they have suffered. It’s your responsibility to document what those losses are. Our legal team can help you do that by evaluating all aspects of your case. Some of the most common damages owed in these accidents include:
- Medical costs associated with the immediate and ongoing expenses suffered by a victim, including emergency support, hospitalizations, surgeries, ongoing recovery and rehabilitation, and losses related to future medical needs
- Lost wages, including loss of income due to being unable to work for a period of time during your recovery from injuries, as well as losses related to benefits not received
- Loss of earning capacity if you are unable to recover enough to go back to the work you once did
- Property damage, including the cost to repair or replace your property after the accident
- Pain and suffering, including losses associated with pain from the incident, as well as ongoing suffering you continue to face
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish from the injury and the recovery process
- Loss of quality of life, including your ability to engage in activities you enjoy or relationships that are meaningful to you
With the guidance of our premises liability attorney in Reno, we can uncover all aspects of your injuries, document them with evidence, and fight fairly for full recovery. Expect our attorneys to be aggressive in pursuing full compensation for you, no matter what you are up against. Set up a free consultation with our team to start the conversation.
Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability in Reno, Nevada
The statute of limitations (NRS: Chapter 11.190) in Reno for a personal injury case, such as a premises liability claim, is two years from the date the incident took place. That means that you have two years to pursue a lawsuit against those who caused you injuries. If you wait beyond this time, you may not be able to recover damages, as the court may not hear your case. Contact our team before that happens.
The purpose of Nevada statutes of limitations is to ensure that claims are resolved in a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, evidence and memories can degrade over time, so the sooner you file a claim, the stronger your evidence and claim may be. Cases can take longer than you may expect, so it’s important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t short yourself on time.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get Results
If you have been injured on another person’s property, it’s important to contact a Reno premises liability lawyer as soon as possible.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers is there for you in your time of need and doesn’t stop until we’ve secured results or exhausted all options. We fight to ensure you’re treated fairly. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We can review your case and answer any questions you may have.
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