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You got injured on someone else’s property and now you’re wondering: Who is responsible? Who is going to pay for my medical bills and cover my related expenses?
The truth is that it all depends on where you got injured, as well as the circumstances surrounding your injury. Learn about the different parties who could be held liable before you take any legal action.
A Business Owner
If you got injured at a place of business like a grocery store or a retailer, then the business owner could be responsible. For example, perhaps you tripped and fell because the store of the floor was cracked or broken, or you slipped on a wet floor because there was no wet floor sign posted. In these cases, the business owner may be liable.
A Property Owner
If you were shopping at a mall or in a parking lot in a shopping center and you got injured, a property owner could be at fault. For instance, the ground might have been icy and the property owner didn’t do anything to deice it. You subsequently slipped and fell and suffered an injury. They could potentially be held responsible.
A Homeowner or Renter
If you were at a friend’s house and got injured, they might be responsible as well. You don’t want to ask them for money, but you could request it through their renters’ or homeowners’ insurance. For example, let’s say that your friend didn’t hang up a heavy painting properly, and it fell on you and hurt your back. You could possibly initiate a claim with the insurance company.
The Government
If you were on public government property at the time of your injury, you might be able to take action against the local government. It might be a city or a municipality. For example, you were at the park when you tripped and fell and hurt yourself on a broken sidewalk. Or, your child got injured on a piece of playground equipment. You’ll just have to take action swiftly since you have less time to take legal action against the government than you would in a normal premises liability case.
You
The accident and subsequent injury could have been your fault. You might have been distracted while you were walking – perhaps you were on your phone or reading a magazine – when you got hurt. Or, maybe you were roughhousing with friends when your injury occurred. You may not be able to get any kind of settlement. Or, if the accident was partially your fault, you could potentially get a partial settlement.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer
It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer right after you get injured on any kind of premises. They will be able to let you know if you have a valid case and help you get the settlement you deserve. Make sure you find a lawyer with ample experience – and excellent case results to back it up.
Contact Zbinden & Curtis Today
Zbinden & Curtis, a Portland personal injury law firm, cares about accident victims, and we’re ready to help you if you have gotten into a premises liability accident in Oregon. 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.
