Biloxi Premises Liability Lawyers Representing Clients Hurt in a Slip-and-Fall Accident

Every day, many people who are simply out going for a walk, visiting someone, shopping at a store, or entering a business end up getting injured after slipping on a wet or slick spot or encountering an uneven surface that causes them to trip and fall, or coming across another dangerous situation that should have been addressed by the person or company responsible for keeping the area safe for customers, visitors or the general public. Our attorneys explain a few key aspects you should know about receiving compensation for a Mississippi premises liability claim.

What Type of Case Is Considered a Premises Liability Claim in Mississippi?

Premises Liability is a term used to describe a slip-and-fall accident, which usually involves a pedestrian getting injured after coming across wet or slick spots, uneven ground, pavement or sidewalk cracks, or another dangerous obstacle or situation. It also means the party responsible for controlling said area should have known about the dangerous situation and done something to remedy it or to alert passers-by, such as placing a “wet floor” sign on a slick area of the floor.

A premises liability claim seeks to obtain monetary restitution for an injured victim based on the fact that the party responsible for controlling a particular area and maintaining safe conditions acted with negligence and failed to fix the hazardous situation or post appropriate warning signs, thus breaching their duty of care towards the victim.

Who Is Responsible for a Premises Liability Accident at a Private Property?

Imagine you are paying a visit to a friend or neighbor, and after arriving at their house, you end up injuring yourself after tripping on an area with uneven concrete and cracked pavement. The homeowner apologizes profusely, saying they knew the sidewalk was bad and had been planning to fix it but never got around to doing it. In this case, if you were to file a claim for premises liability, that homeowner’s insurance would likely be handling the claim and provide financial coverage for your injuries. If the homeowner has no insurance or their policy does not offer coverage for slip-and-fall accidents, you might be able to initiate a civil lawsuit to receive compensation.

However, if you were injured while visiting a rental property, either the landlord or the tenant may be responsible for your accident. For example, if the lease contract states that the area near the front door of every unit must be clear of debris and you end up tripping on some moving boxes that the tenant left by his or her front door, the responsibility for the accident may rest on the tenant. However, if you were in a public area of an apartment complex (for example) and fell on a patch of ice and snow that should have been treated with road salt, then the landlord is likely responsible for your injuries. The best way to determine who is at fault for your premises liability case is to speak to an attorney before taking any action.

How Much Is a Premises Liability Claim Worth?

Premises liability is one of the most common types of personal injury cases, and the value of each case is usually determined by the severity of the resulting injuries as well as the financial and emotional impact the accident has had on the plaintiff (the victim). The best way to learn how much your claim may be worth it to consult with an attorney.

While it is true that you can find online “personal injury calculators” or other similar tools that promise to give a dollar amount to your case, these tools are often incorrect and can end up giving you a number that is too high or sometimes too low. An attorney is better equipped to provide a more accurate estimate – and in general terms, the more severe your injuries and financial losses were, the higher the value of your claim may be.

Most premises liability claims include a combination of economic damages (tangible financial losses resulting from your injuries, such as medical bills, property damage, or lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering caused by the injury and recovery process, as well as the trauma and emotional distress resulting from the accident and injury).

Why Should I Work With a Premises Liability Attorney?

When building a premises liability claim, it is best to work with a professional who can ensure you have enough evidence to support your case. If you have been injured in a premises liability accident, seeing an attorney as soon as you are able is highly recommended. Your attorney can handle all aspects of your case on your behalf and help you fight for maximum compensation while you can focus on healing and getting back on your feet. The Rundlett Law Firm, PLLC, has assisted countless premises liability clients in the Biloxi, MS area to recover compensation for their injuries. Contact us at 228-338-1515 to discuss your case.