Premises Liability Lawyers In Chester County, PA
Building A Strong Premises Liability Case
The first step to knowing if you have a strong case is understanding what can fall under the category of premises liability.
The following list includes some common premises liability claim reasons but there are many more, so always contact us to find out if you have a potential case:
- Avoidable weather-related incidents, such as slipping on an icy pathway that should have been cleared by the property owner.
- Harm caused by dangerous chemicals or substances that weren’t stored or labeled correctly.
- Injury caused by poor building maintenance or, in some cases, construction.
- Distress or harm caused by poor building design, such as a so-called accessible bathroom that isn’t wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
- Becoming the victim of violent or criminal activity on someone else’s property.
- Being harmed by an animal on someone else’s property.
- A slip and fall accident due to reasons ranging from poorly stored cables to fluids on the floor or uneven surfaces.
- Harm caused by malfunctioning technology on someone else’s premises, such as a faulty elevator or escalator.
In each of these examples, the pertinent factor is that the problem was caused by the negligence of the property owner. Your lawyer will need to prove that the dangerous condition was on that property, that the dangerous condition was somehow caused by the property owner’s negligence or wrongful action, and finally, that your situation was caused by these factors.
How Can A Premises Liability Lawyer Help With My Personal Injury Case?
Investigation And Evidence Gathering
They collect proof like photos, witness statements, and safety reports to build a strong case.
Proving Negligence
Lawyers know how to demonstrate the property owner’s duty of care and how they failed it.
Negotiating With Insurance
They handle communications to secure fair settlements and avoid lowball offers.
Representing You In Court
If needed, they advocate for your rights and damages through trial or mediation.
The Court Process: What Lies Ahead
If your Chester County civil litigation case goes to court, it helps to know what to expect. The defense team will try to prove that the injury or damage was not caused by the property owner’s negligence or wrongdoing. This may be upsetting, especially if you have had your life severely impacted by this situation. Your Bochetto & Lentz lawyer will coach you through what to expect and how to respond if questioned in court. This helps you remain focused on the facts of the case and the potential for compensation.
In the courtroom, the primary job of your lawyer is to present the evidence in a compelling way. That’s why it’s vital to only work with experienced premises liability lawyers who deal with complex, convoluted cases on a regular basis. You may need a lawyer who can convince a jury of your peers that the property owner was at fault, while the defense lawyer does everything they can to prove the exact opposite. Of course, you have the truth on your side. But you also have Bochetto & Lentz, attorneys with years of experience prosecuting or encouraging settlements to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
A Lawyer May Also Have To Prove The Following Factors:
- That the defendant has a duty of care: Whether you slipped because of a broken handrail or banged your head on a low doorframe without a warning sign, the property owner had a duty of care to make sure these things didn’t happen. Your lawyer will use evidence to try and prove that the defendant breached that duty of care.
- That you were there as an invitee or licensee: Underhanded property owners may try to get the case dismissed by insinuating that you were trespassing at the time of the injury. An effective lawyer will immediately present evidence that you were present on the property as either an invitee or licensee. Invitees are those who are in a property for legitimate business purposes, whereas licensees are those who are in a property not generally open to the public, for example, for social reasons.
- The extent of the harm or damage: Documentation is a key factor here. Photos of the unsafe area of the property, medical records, and data from insurance companies can all help prove exactly what happened. The more evidence there is, the stronger the claim. Harm may be emotional, financial, or physical. Wage slips showing time off due to injury may be useful, as well as statements from doctors or other medical professionals.
- The connection between negligence and injury: Most importantly, your premises liability lawyer has to prove that the negligence and consequential unsafe property caused the harm in question. In many cases, this is a simple cause-and-effect situation, such as a heavy object falling from a loose shelf. For more complex cases, a deeper investigation may be required to prove the link between the unsafe property and any harm or injury caused.
Contact Us
Where there is evidence to back these claims up, and you have been injured or your property was damaged, you could have a very strong case indeed. If you need a premises liability lawyer in Delaware County instead of Chester County, PA, speak to Bochetto & Lentz. Our team works with people just like you across the region.
Whatever your legal needs, Bochetto & Lentz can help. Whether you’re looking for a premises liability lawyer in Chester County, PA, or a slip and fall lawyer in Philadelphia, our team is ready to help. Contact us as soon as you’re able to and let us have as much information as possible about the incident. Our team will work relentlessly toward the damages and justice due to you when you contact us today!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please contact our office directly to speak with an attorney.