If you’ve suffered injuries on someone else’s property, you might have a valid claim to compensation through what’s known as “premises liability” law. Property owners and occupiers (for example, business owners who rent their storefronts) must maintain reasonably safe premises for all visitors. When they fail to do that, injury victims can hold them financially responsible for the consequences. These cases often hinge on the owner or occupier’s specific obligation to the injured visitor, which depends on why the visitor was on the property.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Alabama
A wide range of accidents can potentially constitute a valid premises liability case. In Alabama, some of the most common examples include:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Trip-and-fall hazards
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Structural hazards
- Negligent security
If a property owner knew or should reasonably have known of a hazard on their premises, and they fail to take reasonable measures to remove it or warn visitors of it, any injuries that occur afterward can potentially result in grounds for a premises liability lawsuit.
What Do You Need to Prove in an Alabama Premises Liability Case?
To win your premises liability case in Alabama, you need to prove that the manager or property owner failed to maintain safe premises and you were injured due to that failure. Evidence like the following can help your premises liability attorney establish negligence:
- Incident reports
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Maintenance logs or inspection records
- Surveillance footage
- Expert testimony
Your lawyer must also show the true impact of your injuries on your life and finances. That means documented proof of your medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, and time out of work.
Deadline to File a Premises Liability Claim
Under Alabama law, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit. If you fail to file a personal injury claim within this time, you may forfeit all rights to pursue the compensation you deserve, no matter how strong your case is. The legal process takes time, delays can happen, and it only gets harder to build a strong case the further away you get from the accident. Contact a premises liability attorney as soon as possible to learn about your options to recover compensation.
What to Do if You Are Injured on Someone Else’s Property in Alabama
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and the viability of your premises liability case after an injury on someone else’s property:
- Report the Incident – Notify the property owner, manager, or business of the accident. If they create an incident report, request a copy.
- Take Photos and Videos – Document the accident scene to create visual evidence of the hazard, warning signs or lack thereof, lighting, and any visible injuries.
- Seek Medical Attention – Protect your health and legal rights by seeing a healthcare provider. This will create crucial documentation linking your injury to the accident.
- Don’t Provide Any Statements – Insurers or the liable party may attempt to get you to admit fault or offer a recorded statement. These are attempts to weaken your claim. Don’t speak with them until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
Finally, contact an attorney. An experienced attorney can build your case and negotiate on your behalf. The sooner you call a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating your claim.
Call an Alabama Premises Liability Lawyer Today
The team at Collins Law, LLC, proudly fights for the rights of Alabama residents injured due to property owner negligence. You don’t need to face the physical, emotional, and financial fallout of your injuries alone. Instead, contact us today for your free consultation with an experienced premises liability lawyer. We can pursue your case at no upfront cost to you.
