Durham Premises Liability Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, help is available. At Riddle & Brantley, our Durham premises liability lawyers are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to people harmed due to unsafe conditions on properties.
Our firm stands up for the rights of those injured in Durham and throughout North Carolina. We approach each case with the highest level of sensitivity and dedication, focused on securing justice and compensation for our clients.
Why Choose Riddle & Brantley as Your Durham Premises Liability Lawyers?
Since 1985, Riddle & Brantley has supported North Carolinians, offering:
- A Convenient Location: Our office in Durham, located at 100 East Parrish Street, Suite 200, near City Hall, is ideally situated for in-person consultations, providing ease and accessibility throughout your legal journey.
- Experienced Legal Professionals: Our team comprises 11 dedicated attorneys and a strong support team of investigators, paralegals, case managers, and support staff, bringing over 220 years of combined legal expertise to your side.
- A Track Record of Success: With more than $720 million in total compensation secured for our clients since 2000, our commitment to achieving the best outcomes for those we represent is clear. (See disclaimer below.)
- A Client-Centered Approach: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our philosophy that “Justice Counts for ALL” ensures personalized, thorough representation for every client.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to courtroom advocacy, our team manages every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while we champion your cause.
What Compensation Is Available for Premises Liability Victims in Durham?
Victims of premises liability in Durham may be eligible for several forms of compensation, including:
Medical Expenses
When an individual is injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, the financial burden of medical treatment can add up. Compensation for medical expenses aims to cover all healthcare costs associated with the injury, ensuring that the victim does not have to bear this burden alone.
This includes immediate care such as emergency services, diagnostic tests, and initial medical treatments. It also includes the cost of surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and any specialized equipment needed for recovery.
Beyond the initial treatment, many victims require long-term care to fully recover. This could include physical therapy, rehabilitation services, follow-up surgeries, and ongoing medical consultations.
For injuries that result in permanent disabilities, victims may also need compensation for future medical expenses, including adaptive devices and home modifications to accommodate their needs. The goal is to ensure that victims receive the comprehensive care necessary for their recovery without the added stress of financial strain.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation acknowledges the non-economic damages victims endure following an injury on someone else’s property. This aspect of compensation recognizes the emotional distress, mental anguish, and overall decline in quality of life that often accompany physical injuries. Victims may suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life due to the limitations imposed by their injuries.
The amount awarded for pain and suffering is subjective and varies significantly from case to case. It takes into account the severity of the injury, the level of pain experienced, and the duration of the victim’s recovery.
This type of compensation serves as recognition of the invisible wounds that victims carry, providing them with a form of acknowledgment and validation for the suffering they have endured. It aims to offer some measure of relief and support as they navigate the challenging process of healing both physically and emotionally.
Lost Wages
Injuries sustained on unsafe properties can prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation for lost wages is designed to reimburse victims for the income they lose during their recovery period. This includes not only the wages they would have earned had they not been injured but also the benefits and other forms of compensation they miss out on.
For victims whose injuries impact their ability to earn an income in the long term, compensation can also include lost earning capacity. This accounts for the difference in the victim’s earning potential before and after the injury.
Determining lost earning capacity often involves evaluating the victim’s age, career trajectory, skills, and the nature of their work. This form of compensation ensures that victims are not financially disadvantaged in the long term due to injuries caused by another’s negligence.
Punitive Damages
A court may award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages (like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost income) for the defendant’s particularly egregious or reckless conduct. Unlike compensatory damages, which make the victim whole, punitive damages punish the defendant for their negligent behavior and deter similar conduct.
The awarding of punitive damages is less common and typically reserved for situations where the property owner’s actions (or lack thereof) were willfully negligent or showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others. By imposing a financial penalty on the responsible party, the legal system seeks to send a clear message that such negligence will not be tolerated.
Punitive damages thus serve a dual purpose: They provide an additional form of compensation to the victim and contribute to the broader goal of promoting safety and preventing future injuries.
Where Can Premises Liability Occur in Durham?
Premises liability incidents can occur across a wide range of environments in Durham, North Carolina. Our team at Riddle & Brantley is skilled in managing cases that arise from unsafe conditions in various settings. Here are some specific locations in Durham where such incidents might occur, reflecting the city’s diverse risks:
Retail and Commercial Properties
Durham boasts numerous shopping and dining destinations where accidents can happen. Notable areas include The Streets at Southpoint and Brightleaf Square, where slips, trips, and falls could occur due to neglected maintenance or safety hazards.
Our attorneys are experienced in handling incidents in these and other commercial areas, ensuring that property owners and managers are held accountable for maintaining a safe environment.
Educational Institutions
With prestigious campuses like Duke University and North Carolina Central University, educational settings in Durham are not immune to premises liability issues. Injuries resulting from unsafe conditions on these campuses, whether in classrooms, dormitories, or outdoor spaces, require expert legal representation to address effectively.
Our firm is committed to upholding the safety and rights of students and faculty alike.
Medical Facilities
Durham is known for its world-class medical institutions, including Duke University Hospital and Durham VA Health Care System. While these facilities are dedicated to patient care, accidents such as falls or mishaps due to unsafe conditions can still occur.
Our legal team is adept at representing individuals injured in these settings, working to ensure that healthcare facilities meet the highest standards of safety.
Public Spaces and Recreational Facilities
The city’s parks and recreational areas, such as Eno River State Park, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, and the American Tobacco Trail, are cherished by residents and visitors. However, poorly maintained pathways, inadequate lighting, or insufficient security measures can lead to injuries.
Our attorneys advocate for those injured in such public and recreational spaces, striving for enhanced safety measures and accountability.
At Riddle & Brantley, we understand the unique challenges of premises liability cases in Durham, NC. We’re dedicated to securing justice and compensation for our clients and promoting safer environments across all these settings.
Fighting the Insurance Companies for Premises Liability Victims
Here’s how we battle against insurance companies to protect our clients who were injured due to negligence on someone else’s property:
Identifying All Responsible Parties
Our first step involves a thorough investigation to pinpoint every entity responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to the injury. This includes not only direct property owners but also property managers, leasing agents, and any other parties whose negligence may have contributed. By identifying all potentially liable parties, we ensure that insurance claim attorneys accurately reflect the breadth of responsibility, thereby strengthening our clients’ cases.
Gathering Evidence Against Insurers
To counter the strategies employed by insurance companies aiming to minimize their payouts, we compile evidence. This includes obtaining and reviewing medical records that detail the extent of injuries, gathering firsthand accounts through witness statements, and securing expert testimony to underscore the negligence that led to the incident.
This evidence serves as the backbone of our argument, enabling us to present a compelling case against insurers.
Advocating for Policy and Safety Improvements
Beyond individual cases, we push for broader changes in policies and safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. This effort often involves engaging with property owners and their insurance companies to highlight areas of concern and advocate for the implementation of stricter safety measures.
By doing so, we aim not only to secure justice for our clients but also to contribute to the creation of safer environments ` the Durham community at large.
Securing Fair Compensation from Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often use tactics designed to undervalue or deny legitimate claims. Armed with extensive decades of legal experience and a deep understanding of insurance law, our team at Riddle & Brantley vigorously negotiates with insurers to secure fair compensation for our clients.
This includes compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages to punish and deter particularly egregious negligence.
In every premises liability case we handle, our ultimate goal is to ensure that our clients receive the justice and compensation they are rightfully owed.
By taking a comprehensive and aggressive approach against insurance companies, we strive to level the playing field for victims, providing them with the resources they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
What to Do If You’re Injured on Someone Else’s Property
If you find yourself injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, it’s important to act promptly and prudently to protect your health and legal rights. The following detailed steps can help guide you through the process:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, underlying issues may not be immediately apparent. Medical professionals can assess your condition, provide necessary treatment, and create a record of your injuries, which is useful for any future legal action.
Remember, the documentation generated during your medical visits serves as evidence to demonstrate the extent and cause of your injuries.
Document Everything
As soon as it is safe to do so, begin collecting evidence related to the incident:
- Photographs and Videos: Take clear photos or videos of the hazardous condition that caused your injury, including any relevant details of the environment. If your injuries are visible, document these as well.
- Incident Report: If the injury occurred in a commercial space (like a store or restaurant), report the incident to the management and ensure a written report is filed. Request a copy of this report for your records.
- Witness Information: If there were any witnesses to the incident, collect their names and contact information. Witness statements can significantly strengthen your case by corroborating your account of the events.
- Personal Account: Write down your own detailed account of what happened as soon as possible. Memories can fade over time, so recording your experience while it’s fresh can provide a more accurate depiction of the incident.
Preserve Evidence
Keep any physical evidence related to your case intact. This includes clothing worn during the incident, any personal belongings damaged as a result, and receipts for any expenses incurred due to the injury (medical bills, medication, etc.). These items can be crucial in establishing the circumstances of your injury and the financial impact it has had on you.
Limit Communication with Property Owners or Insurance Companies
You may be contacted by the property owner’s insurance company seeking a statement about the incident. Limit what you say to them. Insurance adjusters are skilled at obtaining information that can be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline to discuss the specifics of the incident and inform them that any communication will go through your attorney.
Consult Our Durham Premises Liability Lawyers
Consulting with a premises liability lawyer is the next step. An experienced attorney can provide you with a clear understanding of your legal rights and the potential avenues for compensation. They can also take over the handling of communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
A lawyer will evaluate the details of your case, advise you on the best course of action, and represent your interests throughout the legal process.
Follow Through With Your Medical Treatment
Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers and attend all follow-up appointments. Not only is this important for your physical recovery, but it also demonstrates your commitment to mitigating the effects of your injuries. Insurance companies and courts look at your adherence to treatment as an indication of the severity of your injuries.
Keep Records of All Related Expenses
Maintain a file of all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, transportation costs to and from medical appointments, and any modifications you’ve had to make to your living arrangements. These records will be important when calculating the total compensation you’re owed.
Taking these steps can significantly impact the outcome of a premises liability claim. By being proactive and informed, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you are in a strong position to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact a Durham Premises Liability Attorney at Riddle & Brantley
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Contact our experienced personal injury attorney in Durham at (919) 728-1770 for a free, confidential consultation. With our experience, dedication, and compassionate approach, we’ll support you on your journey to healing and justice.
Riddle & Brantley Accident Injury Lawyers
100 E. Parrish St.
Suite 200
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 728-1770
By Appointment Only.
Hours of Operation*
Monday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM