You got into a slip and fall accident while you were out grocery shopping. Or, perhaps, you were at your friend’s house when you tripped and fell on their cracked sidewalk and suffered from an injury. Maybe you were at the local park when you went to use a piece of playground equipment, and it broke and injured you.
There are a number of ways you can get hurt when you’re on someone else’s property. When this happens, you can pursue a case through premises liability law in Oregon with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
Learn more about how premises liability works in Oregon and how to find a personal injury lawyer to assist you.
What Is Premises Liability Law?
Premises liability law states that a property owner must exercise a reasonable duty of care to keep people on their property safe from becoming injured. If they do not, then someone who becomes injured due to the property owner’s neglect has the right to bring about a lawsuit for damages. These damages could include damage to property, medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
If you get injured on someone else’s property, it’s up to you to bring forth evidence to prove that the property owner was neglectful. For instance, you could take photographs of where you got injured, collect witness statements from people who saw what happened, and file a report with a store manager and/or property owner. Make sure you get a copy of your report. You could also see if there was footage from nearby cameras that may have recorded what happened.
You’ll also need to go to the hospital as soon as you get injured and get a full check-up, including X-rays. Your medical records could also help you prove negligence. But there’s one caveat: you will need to follow your doctor’s orders and keep up with your treatment. Otherwise, it may look like your injuries aren’t that serious. That could make it harder for you to get the settlement you deserve.
What If It Was Your Fault?
You suspect that the accident might have been your fault. For example, perhaps a dog bit you at your friend’s house because you were provoking it. Or, maybe you tripped and fell because you were on your cell phone while shopping. Even if you think you’re at least partly responsible, it’s a good idea to call a personal injury lawyer ASAP for guidance.
A personal injury lawyer will give you a free consultation and only charge you a fee if they can get you a settlement. They will negotiate with the insurance company and work hard to get you the settlement that’s rightfully yours.
Before you talk with the insurance company, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Oregon for help. Then, you’ll have a much better chance of success with your premises liability lawsuit.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you with your Oregon premises liability case. We fight tooth and nail for our clients to get them the settlement they deserve in their time of need.
Contact us today to learn more by calling (503) 287-5000 or contacting us on our website for a free case evaluation. We look forward to assisting you.
