Chapel Hill Premises Liability Lawyer

Slip and fall accidents happen so suddenly, often leaving victims with serious injuries and unexpected medical bills. If you or a loved one is recovering from such an accident, our Chapel Hill premises liability lawyers can advise whether you can recover damages.

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. If they don’t and someone gets hurt as a result, they may be liable. For five decades, Whitley Law Firm has answered the call to protect our seriously injured clients and help them recover their losses.

We will use our 120+ years of combined legal experience to fight your case while you focus on healing and getting back to your life. Call us today to learn how our compassionate Chapel Hill personal injury lawyers will fight for you.

An Overview of How Premises Liability Works in North Carolina

North Carolina property owners have a legal duty to keep their property safe for visitors. However, this level of duty changes according to the visitor’s status when they are on the property. 

State law typically categorizes visitors as invitees, licensees, or trespassers. Below is a brief explanation of each:

• Invitees: Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, such as customers in a store or guests at a public event. They must actively ensure the property is safe and address any hazards.
• Licensees: For licensees, like social guests, property owners still have a responsibility to warn them of known dangers but may not be required to fix every issue. 
• Trespassers: People on a property without permission are owed the least protection. These people are trespassers. Property owners generally only need to avoid causing intentional harm to trespassers but may owe additional care if the trespasser is a child, especially near things like swimming pools.

What Do You Need to Prove Premises Liability?

To prove a premises liability case, you must show the property owner was negligent. This means they failed to address dangerous conditions that led to your injury.

Examples of negligence include not fixing broken steps, failing to clean up spills, or not providing enough lighting in walkways. However, you must also show:

• You were legally allowed to be on the property
• The hazard wasn’t obvious or easily avoidable.

Premises liability cases can be complex and involve multiple factors that can be challenging to sort out on your own. Whitley Law Firm can explain how laws apply to your situation and advise you on the next steps during a free consultation. Call us today to get started.

Our Chapel Hill Premises Liability Attorneys Will Lead Your Case

While you focus on restoring your health, we will take the lead in handling your case. 

Once you become our client, we will:

• Investigate the accident to determine what caused it and who is responsible.
• Collect evidence like photos, security video footage, and witness statements.
• Establish your case and prove the property owner’s negligence led to your injuries.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to pursue a fair settlement.
• If necessary, represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our Chapel Hill property injury lawyers will tailor your injury case to your situation so that you receive personalized legal care for your needs. We will manage your case’s communications, filing deadlines, and paperwork. We also will answer your questions and update you regularly. 

Chapel Hill Chapel Hill Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (800)785-5000

Common Recoverable Damages in a Premises Liability Accident

After a premises liability accident in Chapel Hill, you might be able to file an insurance claim or lawsuit to recover several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medications, X-rays, lab exams, and physical therapy.
• Future medical care: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for future medical costs.
• Lost wages: If your injuries forced you to miss time at work, you could recover lost income. You can also pursue damage for loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to return to work.
• Pain and suffering: The liable party may owe you compensation for the physical and mental pain and emotional distress or trauma you experienced after your injuries.
• Property damage: If the accident damaged any of your personal property, you may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement costs.

Wrongful Death Damages You May Be Able to Claim

Please accept our condolences if your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a premises liability accident. Our Chapel Hill wrongful death lawyers can lead your case by seeking justice for your loss. We will:

• Pursue compensation: This includes covering funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and the emotional pain of losing a loved one.
• Prove liability: We will work to show the property owner’s negligence directly caused your loved one’s fatal injuries. Other liable parties could include contractors, property managers, maintenance companies, or third-party vendors.
• Handle the legal process: From investigating the accident to filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies, we will manage every aspect of your wrongful death claim.

Our premises liability injury attorneys serving Chapel Hill are committed to helping your family through this difficult time while fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Types of Premises Liability Accidents in Chapel Hill, NC

We handle premises liability claims involving various types of accidents, including:

• Chapel Hill slip and fall accident lawyers: We will investigate the conditions that caused your fall, collect case evidence, and hold the property owner accountable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
• Chapel Hill trip and fall accident lawyers: We assist by identifying hazards like obstacles or damaged walkways, building a strong case, and seeking compensation for your injuries and related losses.
• Chapel Hill dog bite lawyers: Our team will work to prove the owner’s negligence in controlling their pet, collecting medical records, and pursuing compensation for your physical and emotional harm.
• Chapel Hill swimming pool accident lawyers: We can support you by investigating safety lapses, establishing liability, and seeking compensation for injuries sustained due to poor supervision or lack of safety measures.

These are just a few examples of accidents that could lead to a premises liability claim. If you don’t see your case type listed, call the Whitley Law Firm team. We return calls within 24 hours, and we can help you take the next steps.

Filing Deadlines Apply to Personal Injury Cases in North Carolina

North Carolina keeps personal injury cases on track by setting a filing deadline. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is generally three years from the date of the accident, as outlined in G.S. § 1-52. 

If you are filing a wrongful death action, you have two years from the deceased’s death date under G.S. § 1-53.

If you don’t file your case within this time frame, you risk losing your right to pursue compensation in civil court. We urge you to act soon so we can start on your case. Our team will file your lawsuit on time.

What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can help you protect your health and your legal rights. The following tips can help as you prepare for a premises liability claim:

• Seek medical help: Your health comes first. Even if the injury seems minor, get checked by a doctor to document any potential issues.
• Report the accident: Notify the property owner or manager right away and ask them to make a written report of the incident.
• Take pictures: Capture photos of the accident scene, including any hazardous conditions like wet floors, broken stairs, or poor lighting.
• Collect contact information: Get the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident or can describe the unsafe conditions.
• Keep records: Hold onto any medical bills, repair costs, and records of time missed from work due to the injury.
• Seek help from a lawyer: Our premises liability lawyers can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the claims process.

Our Chapel Hill Premises Liability Lawyers Can Represent You – Call Us

After a premises liability accident, you may be facing mounting bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about how to cover your expenses. Whitley Law Firm understands the challenges you’re facing and will assess your losses and seek them from the liable party. 

Our experienced Chapel Hill premises liability lawyers will handle your case from start to finish so that you can manage your recovery and make plans for your future. We are ready to answer your call and start on your case. Call us today for a free consultation.