Injured on Someone Else’s Property in North Carolina?
We help clients hold negligent property owners accountable. Schedule a confidential consultation to find out if you have a claim.
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- Serving clients across North Carolina
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Slipped on a wet floor at the grocery store? Tripped on a broken step at your apartment building? Injured at a restaurant or hotel? These accidents happen all the time in North Carolina, and they can really mess up your life.
When you get hurt because a property owner didn’t fix a dangerous condition, you shouldn’t have to pay for it. Medical bills, missed work, and the pain you’re going through – that’s on them, not you.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we help people who’ve been injured on someone else’s property. Our job is to make sure you get money to cover your expenses and make things right.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility to keep those on their premises reasonably safe from harm. In North Carolina, property owners are required to exercise reasonable care for those on their premises, which may include:
- Ensuring property is up to code, is routinely inspected, and is properly maintained
- Removing or preventing hazards, such as providing security in certain circumstances or keeping floors dry
- Providing proper warning if hazardous conditions can’t be promptly removed
- Providing adequate security to prevent attacks or assaults on the property
This applies to all kinds of properties, including:
- Retail stores and shopping centers
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels and resorts
- Office buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Private homes
- Public parks and facilities
- Swimming pools
- Parking lots and garages
If their lack of property maintenance or safety warnings results in harm, they could be sued for the damages caused.
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What Qualifies as a Premises Liability Claim?
There are many different types of accident claims for which you can bring a premises liability attorney.
Common cases include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven walking surfaces
- Loose carpeting or rugs
- Poorly maintained staircases
- Ice or snow that hasn’t been cleared
Trip and Fall Accidents
- Cluttered walkways
- Exposed cords or cables
- Unmarked steps
- Broken sidewalks
- Poor lighting
Other Common Premises Liability Issues
- Injury due to missing or broken handrails
- Structural issues that result in a fall
- Electrical shock due to improper wiring
- Injury or damage due to falling objects
- Gas leaks that could have been prevented
- Inadequate building security
- Swimming pool accidents
If you are injured while on another’s premises as a direct result of the property owner’s negligence, you may have a case.
Who is Protected by Premises Liability Laws in North Carolina?
Premises liability laws in North Carolina are designed to protect individuals who are lawfully on another person’s property from preventable injuries:
- Invitees: Guests invited onto the property for business purposes, such as customers at a store, are owed the highest duty of care.
- Licensees: Social guests or others allowed onto the property for non-business purposes are also protected, though to a slightly lesser degree than invitees.
- Tenants and Renters: Landlords and property managers must maintain safe conditions in rental properties, including Airbnb and other short-term rentals.
- Children: Special protections exist for children, particularly when an attractive nuisance, such as a swimming pool, is present.
These protections vary based on your purpose for being on the property, but they generally apply to anyone the property owner or occupant has a duty to keep safe.
Wake County Courthouse
Handles civil and criminal matters in Wake County
- Address: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Hours: M-F 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
- Phone:(919) 792-4000
Common Premises Liability Injuries
Accidents on unsafe properties can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Scarring
- Paralysis
- Electric shocks
- Death
Some of these injuries can have lasting effects, requiring ongoing medical care and potentially affecting your ability to work and enjoy life.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
Taking the right steps can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing fair compensation:
- Document the Scene – Take photos of your injuries and the hazardous conditions that caused the accident, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or broken stairs.
- Seek Medical Attention – If you haven’t already, visit a doctor as soon as possible to assess your injuries. Delaying medical treatment can weaken your claim.
- Follow Medical Advice – Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and keep records of your medical evaluations and expenses.
- Write Down What Happened – As soon as possible, document a detailed account of the accident while the details are fresh in your memory.
- Collect Witness Information – If anyone saw the incident, gather their names and contact details, as their statements may support your case.
- Report the Incident – Notify the property owner, landlord, or business management. If applicable, request an official incident report and keep a copy.
- Consult a Premises Liability Attorney – An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your situation, guide you through the legal process, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.
The moments following an injury on another person’s or business’s property are critical—not just for your well-being but also for preserving evidence that may support a premises liability claim.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we carefully review all accident details to determine the potential claims, their strength, and the damages you may be owed.
We pursue maximum compensation for our clients to ease the financial burden of:
- Past and future income loss
- Long-term rehabilitation needs
- Past and future medical expenses
- Physical and emotional suffering
- Burial and funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
Often, property owners and insurance carriers resist fairly compensating victims, but our experienced premises liability lawyers won’t back down.
Contact Our North Carolina Premises Liability Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner we can start investigating your case, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and give you honest advice about your legal options.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we’re committed to helping injured people throughout Wake County and the surrounding areas.
Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
Areas served
Wake County
- Raleigh
- Cary
- Apex
- Morrisville
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Fuquay-Varina
- Wake Forest
- Rolesville
- Knightdale
- Wendell
- Zebulon
Carteret County
- Beaufort
- Morehead City
- Atlantic Beach
- Emerald Isle
- Newport
Durham County
Orange County
- Chapel Hill
- Carrboro
- Hillsborough
Chatham County
Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)
FAQs
How do I know if I have a premises liability case?
You might have a premises liability case if you were injured on someone else’s property due to the negligence of the owner (or another responsible party). This typically means proving that they:
- Were aware of or responsible for a dangerous condition
- Neglected to promptly address the hazard
- Neglected to display sufficient warnings regarding the issue
What damages can be claimed in premises liability cases?
Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages for egregious negligence.
How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit?
In North Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the incident to file. It’s important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Can I still pursue a claim if the property owner denies negligence?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim. It’s essential to gather evidence and build a strong case to demonstrate the property owner’s negligence and hold them accountable for your injuries.