Premises Liability Attorney in Stuart
If you approach an escalator at the airport only to discover that it’s out of order, you would take the stairs or a nearby elevator instead. Likewise, if you came upon a “wet floor” sign at the grocery store, you would steer clear of the area to avoid slipping and falling. But what if no one had blocked the broken escalator with cones or set out a sign near the wet floor? You would simply proceed on your way and likely get hurt in the process. Our premises liability attorneys in Stuart offer legal representation to people who have suffered injuries through no fault of their own.
Unfortunately, these kinds of preventable accidents happen far more often than they should. Although property owners have an obligation to maintain their premises to a reasonable standard, many of them fail to do so, and those who visit end up paying the price.
If you were hurt because a negligent property owner did not address a hazard, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. To determine if you have grounds for a claim, turn to the injury attorneys at Donaldson & Weston.
Our lawyers will evaluate the incident from all angles to help you determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call 772-266-5555 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Our Premises Liability Attorneys in Stuart Can Help You Account for All Damages
To recover compensation following an accident on someone else’s property, you must prove both liability and damages. The best way to prove liability will depend on a variety of factors, but proving damages almost always calls for the same kinds of evidence. To prove you have incurred losses, your attorney might gather:
- Hospital bills;
- Pharmacy receipts;
- Photographs of any visible wounds or scarring;
- Statistics detailing the lifetime costs associated with treating or managing injuries like yours;
- Paystubs and recent tax returns;
- Statistics detailing the average lifetime earnings of those with your profession;
- Contractor quotes for making any necessary home modifications;
- Invoices for home care;
- Receipts for any mobility aids and/or medical devices;
- Journal entries describing the ways in which the injuries are affecting everyday life; and
- Statements from loved ones about the ways in which the injuries are affecting them.
Gathering the evidence listed above is a considerable amount of work, but when you hire a premises liability attorney to help with navigating the proceedings, you do not have to worry about doing so alone. A seasoned lawyer will have access to a vast network of legal resources, which will make it possible to compile the evidence needed to build a strong claim on your behalf.
Important Evidence to Prove Your Claim
To have a successful premises liability claim in Stuart, you must be able to prove that the property owner or occupier was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. In this blog, we will discuss some of the essential pieces of evidence that can help support your premises liability claim.
Incident Report
If your accident occurred on commercial property, such as a store or restaurant, an incident report should be filed with the property owner or manager. The report should contain detailed information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. It is important to obtain a copy of this report as soon as possible after the accident.
Witness Statements
If there were witnesses to the accident, it is important to obtain their contact information and statements. Witness statements can provide valuable insight into what happened and can help corroborate your version of events.
Medical Records
If you were injured in the accident, it is essential to obtain medical records documenting your injuries and treatment. This includes hospital records, doctor’s notes, and medical bills. These records can help establish the severity of your injuries and the extent of your medical expenses.
Photographs and Videos
Photographs and videos of the accident scene can be powerful evidence to help your Stuart premises liability lawyer. If possible, take photographs and videos of the scene of the accident, including any hazards or defects on the property that contributed to your injuries.
Maintenance and Inspection Records
Property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. If the accident occurred due to a hazardous condition, such as a slippery floor or broken staircase, it may be necessary to obtain maintenance and inspection records to establish that the property owner was aware of the hazard and failed to take appropriate action to fix it.
Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witnesses, such as engineers or safety consultants, can provide valuable insight into the cause of the accident and the property owner’s negligence. Expert witnesses can analyze evidence and provide an opinion on the property owner’s duty of care, breach of duty, and the cause of your injuries.
Call Today for a Free Consultation with a Premises Liability Lawyer
If you sustained serious injuries because of a negligent property owner, the accident attorneys at Donaldson & Weston are here to help you gather evidence of liability and damages. We take great pride in helping injured parties recover the compensation they need to move on with life. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a premises liability lawyer in Stuart.