Rhode Island Premises Liability Lawyer
Negligent actions can create dangerous situations in public areas or private property where you’re supposed to be safe. When owners or tenants fail to fix hazards at their properties and you or a loved one are injured, you deserve to see the responsible parties held accountable. The Rhode Island premises liability lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are here to discuss your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Updated date:
- July 29, 2024
When on public or private property, you shouldn’t have to worry about suffering any harm due to negligence. If the property owner or manager fails to take reasonable measures against unsafe conditions such as slippery sidewalks or potholes, however, you could be at risk. When these hazards lead to injury, the results can be devastating. For instance, you may suffer from physical trauma, medical bills, and potentially long-lasting physical and financial repercussions.
It may be too late to turn back the clock and prevent your suffering, but you can at least hold someone accountable. Our legal team treats each client with dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion, while we work vigorously to advocate and favorably resolve your case. When we accept a case, we strive for nothing short of extraordinary results for each client. Call us today at (401) 443-2999 or submit a form to receive a free case evaluation today.
How A Rhode Island Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
The premises liability lawyers at Marasco & Nesselbush are highly experienced. Boasting a strong track record, our team will fight to secure the damages you deserve. We’ve achieved many successful verdicts and settlements on behalf of our Rhode Island clients, including these legal victories:
- $1 million recovered after a child fell from a second-floor window and suffered a severe brain injury.
$375,000 recovered on behalf of a client who hurt her back due to a slip-and-fall accident at a supermarket.
$275,000 recovered after an assault and fall at a nightclub led to a traumatic brain injury.
Over $200,000 recovered from a hotel company after guests were exposed to Legionella bacteria.
What Is Premises Liability?
As defined by the National Trial Lawyers, premises liability refers to the principle that property owners or tenants are responsible when someone on their property gets hurt due to a dangerous condition. Because of premises liability, property owners are responsible for ensuring that guests are reasonably safe and secure.
This responsibility applies to both public and private property owners, as well as certain tenants. If a property is owned by one party but maintained by the tenant, that tenant may be responsible if an accident occurred. For example, while an icy parking lot may be the responsibility of the building owner, dangerous conditions right outside a tenant’s door could be their responsibility.
If injuries occur because the property was negligently maintained or insufficiently secure, the owner or tenant may be found liable. It is up to the claimant’s lawyers and representatives to prove that the property owner realized (or should have reasonably known) that hazards existed but did not take steps to correct them.
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What Is Duty Of Care?
Premises liability cases center on the idea that property owners are obligated to keep spaces safe and well-maintained. When a property owner abides by this duty of care, you should feel confident that you’ll avoid injury, whether you’re a customer, a client, or even an employee. Workplace premises liability scenarios could include a leaky pipe that creates slip-and-fall hazards or faulty wiring that poses an electrocution risk. If the owner fails to uphold a reasonable duty of care, this breach could hold alarming implications for your health and safety.
What Are The Most Common Types Of Premises Liability Cases In Rhode Island?
Premises liability can take many forms. It may be classified based on the type of incident or the resulting injury. Common categories include:
- Slip and Fall. Slick, unstable, or dimly lit surfaces, such as puddles in walkways or icy sidewalks, can cause terrifying slip-and-fall accidents. This is one of the most common forms of premises liability.
- Trip and Fall. Similar to slip-and-fall accidents, trip and fall cases occur when out-of-place objects or uneven surfaces cause people to lose their balance.
- Negligent Maintenance. Flooring and walkways are just two of many elements that property owners or tenants should carefully maintain. Other possible hazards include poorly maintained electrical systems or broken light fixtures.
- Inadequate Security. Businesses must take extra precautions to keep customers or clients safe. If these are lacking and patrons are harmed as a result, security-related lawsuits are possible. For example, hotel guests might file a claim for improper security if an intruder breaks into their suite.
- Dog Bites. In Rhode Island, strict liability applies if you are bitten while walking down the street or visiting someone other than the dog owner.
What Types Of Premises Libility Injuries Are Common In Rhode Island?
Premises liability cases can lead to many injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries. Often seen in slip- or trip-and-fall accidents, traumatic brain injuries occur when a jolt or blow to the head causes damage to the brain. Severe traumatic brain injuries may cause long-term cognitive or emotional difficulties.
- Broken hips. High-impact blows to the victim may cause broken hips, especially after a fall. These fractures are incredibly painful and can prompt long-term mobility impairments.
- Sprains. While sprains may seem minor compared to other common premises liability injuries, they can be far more painful and debilitating than expected. Ankle sprains are especially common, although sprained wrists are also possible.
- Lacerations. Accompanying many types of accidents, lacerations are possible if victims land on glass during a fall or otherwise come into contact with sharp objects. Deeper wounds may accompany dog bites or other animal attacks.
- Burn injuries. If a fire breaks out in an improperly maintained structure, victims could suffer first, second, or third-degree burns. Depending on the severity, these could take weeks, months, or even years to heal. Many burns go beyond the skin to damage the muscles or nerves.
Who Could Be Held Liable In A Rhode Island Premises Liability Case?
Premises liability applies to property owners as well as some tenants. Property managers may also be held liable, as it is their responsibility to oversee the day-to-day care and maintenance of the property in question.
Liability depends, to some extent, on the legal status of the visitor. If that individual has been invited onto the owner’s property, it’s assumed that the owner is responsible for keeping them safe.
In matters of trespassing, the property owner can still be held liable under certain conditions. Property owners are not allowed to set traps or create intentionally dangerous conditions and can be held liable if a trespasser injures themselves due to these situations.
What Damages Can I Seek In A Premises Liability Case?
If you’ve suffered an injury after an accident on a Rhode Island premises, you may be eligible for compensation. The damages you may be awarded are divided into three main categories:
Economic Damages
You can get compensation for economic damages if you incurred specifiable expenses from your premises liability injury. These could involve past, current, or future expenses, such as hospital bills or the anticipated cost of physical therapy. Lost wages also fall under this category, as you may not immediately, or ever, be able to resume tasks at work due to your injuries.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for the many forms of suffering that don’t initially appear to have a specific cost attached. These subjective concerns may include pain and suffering or loss of consortium. Non-economic damages prioritize the emotional components of premises liability, which can greatly impact your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
When incidents occur due to extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be available. These are meant to punish negligent parties and set an example so other owners or tenants take action to avoid similar issues in the future.
Contact A Rhode Island Premises Liability Lawyer Today
You deserve to feel safe and secure when you visit Rhode Island premises. If an owner, tenant, or manager has failed to keep you or your loved ones safe, you owe it to yourself to seek legal recourse. With a trusted Rhode Island premises liability lawyer in your corner, you could secure the damages you deserve.
Attorney selection matters. You need to feel confident that your Rhode Island premises liability lawyer will fight on your behalf. This is exactly what you can expect when you work with the trusted team at Marasco & Nesselbush.
Contact our firm today for a free case consultation if you have been injured on someone else’s property and believe you may have a premises liability claim.
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