When an accident happens on someone else’s property that injures you or a loved one, it can be a devastating experience. You probably face mounting medical bills, lost income from missing work, and other damages. You may also experience profound grief of losing a loved one if unsafe property conditions killed a close family member.
During this time of uncertainty, you may be frustrated and feel a deep sense of injustice. You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of your injuries and losses someone else’s negligence caused, and you likely have every right to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Hiring a Little Rock premises liability lawyer can make all the difference in your case.
At Levar Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, we understand your hardships and are here to help. Our dedicated team of attorneys has a deep understanding of Arkansas premises liability laws and a proven track record of successfully handling cases like yours.
We’re committed to holding property owners accountable for their actions and helping you maximize your financial recovery. If you or a loved one suffered harm on another’s property in Little Rock, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to negligence or unsafe conditions. This includes both private and public properties, such as homes, businesses, parks, and government buildings.
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any potential hazards. When they fail to do so, injured parties may hold the property owner liable for damages that result.
Types of Premises Liability Cases in Little Rock, AR
Many different types of accidents can fall under the umbrella of premises liability.
Some of the most common include:
- Slip and fall accidents: These occur when a visitor slips, trips, or falls due to a hazardous condition on the property, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or inadequate lighting.
- Inadequate security: Property owners have a duty to provide reasonable security measures to protect visitors from foreseeable criminal activity. If a visitor is assaulted or robbed due to insufficient security, the property owner may be liable.
- Swimming pool accidents: Drowning and near-drowning accidents can occur when a property owner fails to properly secure or maintain their pool.
- Dog bites: In Arkansas, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause, regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression.
- Elevator and escalator accidents: Malfunctioning or poorly maintained elevators and escalators can cause serious injuries to visitors.
- Amusement park accidents: Patrons can sustain injuries by defective or improperly operated rides, as well as slip and fall accidents on park grounds.
Other scenarios can lead to premises liability accidents as well. Discuss your case with an attorney if you believe hazardous conditions on someone’s property hurt you or a family member.
Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Cases
To successfully bring a premises liability claim on your behalf, your attorney must be able to prove that the property owner was negligent in maintaining their property. This requires establishing that the property owner owed you a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe.
The level of care owed depends on your status as a visitor:
- Invitees are explicitly or implicitly invited onto the property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, and must regularly inspect for and repair any hazardous conditions.
- Licensees enter the property for their own purposes, but with the owner’s permission, such as social guests. Property owners must warn licensees of any known hazards, but do not have a duty to inspect for them.
- Trespassers are individuals who enter the property without permission. Property owners generally do not owe trespassers any duty of care, unless the trespasser is a child who was attracted to the property by a dangerous condition (known as the “attractive nuisance” doctrine).
If the property owner failed to meet the appropriate duty of care by creating a hazardous condition, failing to repair it, or providing adequate warnings, and that breach of duty directly caused your injuries, you could obtain compensation for the damages you suffered.
What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident in Little Rock
Taking the right steps after a premises liability accident can significantly impact your ability to secure compensation. Here’s what you should do:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety are paramount. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor.
Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
Prompt treatment also creates a medical record and establishes a link between the accident and your injury. This is for your claim.
Report the accident to the property owner or manager
Once you’re safe and have received the necessary medical treatment, notify the property owner or manager about the accident. If the incident occurred at a business, such as a retail store or restaurant, ask to fill out an official incident report and request a copy for your records.
If the accident happened at a private residence or other property without a formal reporting process, send a written notification to the owner detailing the incident’s date, time, location, and circumstances. Be sure to keep a copy of this correspondence.
Document the scene and gather evidence
If you can, take photos and videos of the hazardous conditions that caused your accident, such as a broken handrail, uneven flooring, or inadequate lighting.
Capture the scene from multiple angles and be sure to include any visible warning signs or lack thereof. Additionally, take photos of your visible injuries and torn or bloody clothing. If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information, as their testimony can be valuable in supporting your claim.
Preserve evidence
Keep the clothing and shoes you wore during the accident in their original condition, as they may contain important evidence such as torn fabric or scuff marks.
If you had any personal belongings damaged in the accident, such as a broken phone or watch, keep them as well.
Place each item in a separate paper bag to prevent contamination and clearly label them with the date and circumstances of the accident.
Be cautious when communicating with insurance companies
After an accident, the property owner’s insurance company may contact you, seeking a statement or offering a quick settlement.
Insurance adjusters are not looking out for your best interests. Politely decline to give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offers until you consult a Little Rock premises liability lawyer. The insurance company can use anything you say against you later. It’s best to let your attorney handle these communications for you.
Contact a skilled Little Rock premises liability lawyer
Reach out to a qualified Little Rock premises liability lawyer to discuss your case. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and help you pursue fair compensation.
Contact Us Today
Don’t let them take advantage of you- contact the Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers to get your claim started.
For more information, please call 870-246-7070
How a Little Rock Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
When you work with a skilled Little Rock premises liability lawyer from Levar Law, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal heavy lifting.
Our attorneys will:
- Investigate the accident: We’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gathering evidence such as accident reports, security camera footage, and witness statements to build a strong case on your behalf.
- Identify liable parties: In some cases, multiple parties, such as a property owner and a negligent maintenance company, may contribute to your injuries. We’ll work to identify all potential sources of compensation.
- Calculate damages: We’ll carefully assess the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, and pain and suffering, to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible. Our attorneys have the skills and experience to negotiate aggressively on your behalf and won’t settle for less than you deserve.
- Represent you in court: If the at-fault party or their insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in court.
Why Choose a Little Rock Premises Liability Lawyer from Levar Law
When you choose Levar Law Injury and Accident Lawyers to handle your premises liability case, you can have confidence that you’re in good hands.
Our attorneys have:
- In-depth knowledge of Arkansas premises liability laws and a track record of success in handling complex cases.
- Experience negotiating with insurance companies and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- A commitment to providing personalized attention and compassionate support to every client we serve. Don’t just take our word for it – see what our satisfied clients have to say in their testimonials. We’ve also received “Superb” (10.0) client ratings on Avvo.
- A contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us attorney fees unless we win your case. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
- Recognition from our peers and the legal community, including the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Rock Premises Liability Claims
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Arkansas?
In most cases, you have three years from the accident date to file a premises liability lawsuit in Arkansas. However, there are some exceptions, so it’s best to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Arkansas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your damages will decrease by your percentage of fault.
Our attorneys will work diligently to protect your rights and minimize your liability. We’ll also push back against the insurance company if they try to place undue blame on you.
What if I was injured at a friend’s house?
Even if the property owner is a friend or family member, you may still be able to bring a premises liability claim against their homeowner’s insurance policy. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this sensitive situation while still protecting your rights.
What kind of damages can I recover in a premises liability case?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, future treatment costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. In cases of egregious negligence, the court may also award punitive damages to punish the property owner.
Contact a Little Rock Premises Liability Attorney Today
Don’t wait to seek legal assistance after suffering harm on someone else’s property in Little Rock. The sooner you contact a Little Rock premises liability attorney, the better your chances of recovering the full compensation you deserve.
At Levar Law Injury and Accident Lawyers, our Little Rock personal injury lawyers are ready to put our knowledge, experience, and dedication to work for you.
Contact us today at (501) 588-0082 for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide honest advice on your best course of action.
Levar Law Injury & Accident Lawyers – Little Rock Office Location
204 Executive Ct #208
Little Rock, AR 72205
United States
Phone: 501-588-0082
