Premises Liability Lawyer in Alabama

Ensuring Accountability for Negligent Property Owners

Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors. When this duty is neglected, and someone is injured as a result, the injured party may have grounds for a premises liability claim. These personal injury cases often involve complex legal standards, making it essential to seek experienced legal representation. Our dedicated Alabama premises liability lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue fair compensation. Call Lattof & Lattof, P.C., today at 215-850-5528 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward justice.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal principle that holds property owners responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions for visitors. When dangerous conditions are present, and the owner fails to address them, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

In Alabama, this area of law applies to a wide range of accidents, including slip and fall incidents, inadequate maintenance, and even cases involving insufficient security. The property owner’s level of responsibility depends on the visitor’s classification as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.

Invitees: Individuals who enter the property for the owner’s benefit, such as customers at a store, are owed the highest duty of care. Property owners must inspect the premises regularly and address or warn of potential hazards.

Licensees: Social guests or individuals on the property for their own purposes are owed a lesser duty of care. However, property owners must still warn them of known dangers that are not obvious.

Trespassers: Property owners generally do not owe a duty of care to trespassers, except in specific cases, such as when children are involved under the “attractive nuisance” doctrine. The nuances of Alabama’s premises liability laws make it essential to fully understand your rights and obligations if you’re pursuing a claim.

Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents

Accidents on private, commercial, or public property can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:

Slip and Fall Incidents: These often result from wet or uneven flooring, loose carpeting, icy walkways, or inadequate lighting.

Poor Maintenance: Hazards like broken railings, malfunctioning elevators, or faulty wiring can cause serious harm.

Insufficient Security: Criminal acts such as assaults or robberies can occur when property owners fail to provide adequate security measures, such as proper lighting, functional locks, or surveillance systems.

Swimming Pool Hazards: Pools without proper fencing, signage, or safety equipment pose significant risks, especially to children.

The specific circumstances of an accident will dictate the approach taken to build a claim and the type of evidence needed to prove the property owner’s negligence.

What Steps Should You Take After a Premises Liability Accident?

Your actions following an accident on someone else’s property can significantly affect your ability to seek compensation. Here are the steps to take:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional to identify any underlying issues and document your condition.

Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the area where the accident occurred, capturing hazards, lighting, and any visible injuries.

Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses, collect their contact details and ask them to provide statements about what they saw.

Report the Incident: Notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible and request a copy of any incident report filed.

Retain Records: Keep a detailed account of your medical treatments, expenses, and other impacts related to the accident.

Contact an Attorney: A premises liability lawyer can evaluate your case, help preserve evidence, and handle communication with insurance companies.

Taking these steps promptly will strengthen your case and ensure that critical evidence is preserved.

How Do I Prove a Premises Liability Case in Alabama?

To hold a property owner accountable for your injuries, you must prove that their negligence directly caused your accident. Establishing a premises liability claim typically involves:

Demonstrating Duty of Care: Show that the property owner had an obligation to maintain a safe environment based on your status as a visitor.

Establishing Breach of Duty: Prove that the owner failed to address or warn of a hazardous condition they knew about or should have known about.

Proving Causation: Link the hazard directly to your serious injury through evidence such as photographs, witness statements, or testimony.

Documenting Damages: Provide proof of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.

Alabama’s contributory negligence doctrine can make premises liability cases particularly difficult. If you are found even partially responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This strict standard underscores the importance of building a compelling case with the help of an experienced attorney.

The Role of Contributory Negligence

Alabama is one of the few states that follow the contributory negligence rule. Under this legal doctrine, if you are found to have contributed in any way to the accident—even as little as 1%—you may be prevented from recovering any compensation.

For example, if you ignored visible warning signs or failed to exercise reasonable caution, the property owner’s legal team may argue that you share responsibility for the incident. This strict rule makes it critical to gather robust evidence and carefully present your case to demonstrate the property owner’s liability.

Compensation in Premises Liability Cases

Victims of premises liability accidents may be eligible to recover several types of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs.

Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity for severe or permanent injuries.

Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages: In rare cases, if the property owner’s conduct was particularly egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to deter similar behavior in the future.

Accurately calculating damages requires a comprehensive understanding of your current and future needs, which is why having legal representation is so important.

Why Choose Lattof & Lattof, P.C. for Your Premises Liability Case?

At Lattof & Lattof, P.C., our Alabama premises liability attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Here’s how we stand apart:

Decades of Experience: With over 70 years of practice, our team has handled numerous premises liability cases across Alabama.

Thorough Investigations: We meticulously gather evidence and build compelling arguments to support your claim.

Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize communication and transparency, ensuring you are informed at every stage of the legal process.

Results-Driven Representation: Whether negotiating settlements or litigating in court, we fight relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, don’t face the legal process alone. Call an experienced premises liability lawyer with Lattof & Lattof, P.C., at 215-850-5528 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.