Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain reasonably safe conditions on their premises. By neglecting this responsibility, they risk creating hazards that put others at risk. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property, you may have a lawsuit on your hands, and that’s where we come in.
At Shore Law, we can assess your situation and explain your legal options. With help from a Cleveland premises liability lawyer, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Our founding attorney, Megan Shore, is recognized nationally for her impressive success rate with personal injury claims, having already recovered $250 million for our clients across Ohio. Speak to a Cleveland personal injury lawyer to learn more about how we can support your case.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience. We’ve seen everything when it comes to premises liability cases, which means we’re more than equipped to handle your situation.
Here’s an overview of some of the most common cases we’ve provided legal support for:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites and other animal attacks
- Negligent security
- Swimming pool accidents
- Unsafe walkways
- Elevator malfunctions
- Inadequate lighting
- Structural hazards
- Poor road conditions
There are many more types of situations where a property owner may be held responsible for your injuries. Our premises liability lawyers in Cleveland are available to discuss your case in further detail and strategize the right approach based on the circumstances.
Who is Liable for a Premises Accident in Cleveland?
The person responsible for the property is usually the person who can be held liable for this type of accident. This could be a business owner, landlord, homeowner, retailer, independent contractor, etc. If they’ve failed to ensure your safety through negligence and allowing unsafe conditions, you may be able to pursue a claim against them.
However, Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rules could impact the amount you can recover. If you are found partially responsible for the accident under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, instead of maybe getting $20,000 in compensation, you’d only get $18,000. If you are found to be more than 50% to blame, you may be barred from claiming compensation altogether. That’s why you need a skilled lawyer in your corner, as they can help you prove liability and reach a fair settlement.
How a Cleveland Premises Liability Lawyer Supports Your Case
Shore Law can provide the legal support needed to successfully prove negligence and secure the best result for your case. Here’s how:
Conducting Detailed Investigations
Our personal injury lawyers will gather all the necessary evidence for review, including surveillance footage, witness testimony, accident reports, medical records, maintenance logs, and more. This allows us to piece together a detailed strategy based on the facts of the case.
Calculating Damages
When you get hurt in a premises accident, you may end up racking up a lot in medical bills. Alongside other damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, emotional distress, and more, the financial strain can be huge. Based on both economic and non-economic damages, we’ll estimate just how much you could be owed.
Determining Liability
After speaking with you and assessing the evidence, we’ll work to determine who may be responsible for your injuries. Our attorneys will look at the type of negligent actions and hazardous conditions that may have led to your accident so that you know who to claim from.
Negotiating Aggressively
Our team cares about getting you a fair settlement and won’t agree to anything less. All communications with the insurance companies will go through us, where we’ll fight to protect your rights and recover an amount that fully reflects your losses.
What You Should Do After a Premises Accident
If you’re in an accident on someone else’s property and their negligence directly caused your injury, there are several steps you should take to look after your rights.
Here’s what you should do:
- Get the medical help you need: You should always prioritize your health and safety, even if your injuries are minor. This will also go on your medical record to support your claim later down the line.
- Report the incident as soon as possible: Tell the property owner or anyone else who may be in charge on the premises so that they can file an official accident report.
- Document the scene: Take pictures or video the scene to capture evidence of any hazards that may have led to the accident.
- Ask for contact information: If there was anyone else present at the scene, ask for their contact details. Witness statements will help to back up your claim.
- Keep records of your recovery: This includes any medical records or receipts related to the ongoing care for your injury.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies: Keep contact with insurers to a minimum and make sure any statements you make are factual. You don’t want to speculate and accidentally admit fault.
- Hire a Cleveland premises liability attorney: A lawyer will explain your legal options, handle all negotiations, guide you through the entire process, and make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Try following these steps as closely as possible and speak to an attorney as soon as you are able. This will give you a better chance at success when it comes to your claim.
Get Legal Guidance from a Nationally Recognized Attorney
Premises liability cases can be tricky, especially when you’re not sure who is to blame. Shore Law is personally committed to every single client. We work hard to secure the compensation you’re owed and will hold the right party liable.
Speak to our legal team to learn more about what personal injury lawyers do and how they can support your claim.
Alternatively, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss your options and find the right path forward for your case. Our experienced team is more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
