Richmond Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Lawyer in Richmond 

When the manager or owner of a property fails to keep premises safe, the damages can be great. Fortunately, individuals who live in, visit, or patronize poorly maintained properties may be able to recover compensation for their losses through a premises liability action with a seasoned personal injury attorney.

Typically, people associate premises liability with icy walkways or poorly maintained staircases. While these may be qualifying incidents, a Richmond premises liability lawyer can fight on your behalf in other situations, too.

Premises liability can also apply to proprietors who fail to secure rooftops or protect against electrical malfunction. If you were injured because the custodian of a property overlooked a dangerous condition, speak with a Richmond premises liability lawyer today.

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Common Premises Liability Scenarios

In Virginia, the owners and operators of businesses, rental units, and some private properties must do their best to ensure the safety of all occupants and guests.

In the wintertime, temporary issues like icy walkways and parking lots threaten the wellbeing of shoppers or tenants. In the summer months, flash flooding can cause personal injury and property damage. These issues must be remedied as soon as possible.

If the owner is aware of systemic property issues, such as poor rainwater collection and management, they are responsible for fixing the issue before it causes damages.

Who is Responsible for Maintaining Rental Properties?

Proprietors are also responsible for providing a reasonable level of security in apartments and other rental properties. In some cases, this means that security lighting must be installed or repaired. If the owner fails to install necessary lights, tenants and guests may be at risk of assault or theft.

Electrical wiring also poses dangers when it is poorly set up or maintained. A property liability attorney in Richmond may be able to review these and other scenarios to determine case eligibility.

Statute of Limitations in Premises Liability Cases

In Virginia, plaintiffs seeking personal injury damages must file their lawsuit within a given period. This deadline is referred to as the statute of limitations.

If the statute of limitations expires, the claimant will be unable to recover damages for the incident. A jury will not be able to hear the case, no matter how strong it was.

Per Virginia Code § 8.01-243, any potential plaintiff generally must file a claim within two years of an incident. The processes of investigating and documenting elements of the case can be time-intensive. Therefore, potential plaintiffs should begin the process as soon as possible. A Richmond premises liability attorney could help injured individuals pursue their claim in a timely manner.

Does Virginia Use Contributory Negligence?

Virginia uses the concept of contributory negligence in personal injury cases. This means that if a jury finds that a plaintiff was even one percent responsible for an accident, they cannot award compensation.

Unfortunately, when the injured party has partial responsibility, that person cannot recover any damages. A Richmond premises liability attorney may be able to help a claimant to determine their eligibility for compensation and refute allegations they contributed to the accident.

Seek Representation from a Richmond Premises Liability Attorney

When you return to your apartment or patronize a restaurant, you have certain expectations for the safety and security of the property. Stairways should be sturdy, electrical systems should have safeguards against surges and shocks, and the manager should take steps to reduce crime or vandalism. When owners or managers fail to provide these baseline conditions, the residents, shoppers, or guests may be seriously impacted.

If you suffered losses because of the negligence of the premises manager, you may be entitled to seek damages in a lawsuit. Speak with a Richmond premises liability lawyer today to learn how an attorney can help.

“Great law group. Everyone was kind and down to earth. Made me feel like I was their only client. Very attentive to me and my case.”

Karen Jacobs

If you have been injured at work or through the negligence of another individual or entity, contact us at (804) 999-9999 or or use the form below to connect with our legal team. We will fight to get you the justice you deserve.