When you visit a business, a friend’s home, or a public place, you expect it to be safe. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises free from hazards, but not all take that responsibility seriously. A loose handrail, wet floor, or poor lighting can lead to serious injuries in an instant. If you were hurt because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences alone. At Stanfield Bechtel Law, we help injured individuals hold negligent property owners accountable and pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability holds property owners responsible when unsafe conditions on their property cause injuries. Whether it’s a retail store, apartment complex, or private residence, owners and managers must take reasonable steps to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so, visitors can suffer serious harm.
To have a premises liability claim, the property must have contained a dangerous condition, such as a broken staircase, slippery floor, or inadequate lighting. The owner must have known—or reasonably should have known—about the hazard but failed to fix it or provide a warning. Finally, the hazardous condition must have directly caused your injury.
Liability can depend on why you were on the property. Business owners owe a higher duty of care to customers, while homeowners must keep their properties reasonably safe for invited guests. If you were injured due to unsafe conditions, we will assess your case and explain your legal options.
Common Premises Liability Accidents
Many types of accidents can lead to premises liability claims. Some of the most common include:
- Slip and falls – Spilled liquids, icy sidewalks, and loose carpeting can cause sudden and severe falls.
- Trip and falls – Uneven flooring, broken sidewalks, and cluttered walkways create tripping hazards.
- Inadequate security – Poor lighting, broken locks, and lack of security personnel can lead to assaults or robberies.
- Dog bites – Owners are responsible for keeping aggressive dogs under control to prevent attacks.
- Swimming pool accidents – Unfenced pools, missing safety equipment, and lack of supervision can lead to drownings or serious injuries.
If you were injured due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, you may have a claim.
Proving a Premises Liability Case
To hold a property owner responsible for your injuries, we must prove that their negligence caused the unsafe condition that led to your accident. Establishing liability requires showing the following:
- A hazardous condition existed – Examples include wet floors, broken handrails, poor lighting, or icy walkways.
- The property owner knew or should have known about the danger – Owners are expected to inspect their property regularly and address hazards in a timely manner.
- The owner failed to fix the problem or warn visitors – A simple repair or clear warning sign could have prevented the injury.
- The dangerous condition directly caused your injury – We must connect your injuries to the hazard through medical records, accident reports, and witness testimony.
Property owners and insurers often try to shift the blame. We push back against these tactics by building a strong case, using evidence to show how negligence led to your injury.
Compensation for Your Injuries
If you were injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Medical bills can add up quickly, especially if your injuries require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Lost wages from missed work can create additional financial strain. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects of your injuries. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we fight for the full amount you deserve. Our goal is to secure compensation that helps you recover and move forward with confidence.
How We Can Help
At Stanfield Bechtel Law, we understand how overwhelming a premises liability case can feel. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, and lost income is stressful, especially when a property owner or insurance company refuses to take responsibility. We handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, we build strong cases for our clients. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we will take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Experienced Middletown, CT Premises Liability Attorneys
Premises liability injuries can have lasting consequences, but you don’t have to handle this alone. Property owners should be held accountable when their negligence causes harm. If you were injured on someone else’s property, contact us today for a free consultation. Stanfield Bechtel Law is ready to help.