West Lafayette Premises Liability Attorney

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a safe condition to prevent harm to visitors. This obligation includes regularly inspecting their properties for hazards, promptly addressing identified risks, and implementing necessary safety measures. Those who are injured because property owners fail to maintain safe environments may be entitled to compensation for the harm they incur.

Victims may suffer slip and falls, electrocutions, drownings, animal attacks, criminal attacks, and various other types of harmful accidents because owners did not properly maintain their premises. If you suffered such an accident in West Lafayette, IN, our legal team can review the specifics of your case and identify the appropriate course of action.

Get support from our premises liability attorneys at Wruck Paupore by calling (219) 322-1166.

Common Types of Accidents Caused by Property Owners’ Negligence in West Lafayette, IN

Several different types of harmful accidents may stem from property owners’ negligence. If you were injured as a result of any of the following, then our premises liability attorneys can assess the strength of your potential claim:

Slip and Fall Accidents

First, slip and fall accidents are common occurrences that frequently result from property owners' negligence. In many cases, these accidents stem from improperly maintained premises. For instance, visitors may easily slip and injure themselves if a property owner fails to promptly address spills or fix uneven surfaces. Further, an owner may be liable for a slip and fall accident that occurred because they failed to install proper signage or warnings of potential hazards on their premises.

Drownings

Drownings are another type of accident that may happen because of property owners' negligence. Property owners must adhere to safety regulations by installing proper fencing, securing pool covers, and providing clear warnings about water depth. If a property owner fails to implement these safety measures, it can lead to tragic consequences for visitors who may drown and severely injure themselves because of the owner's negligence.

Electrocution

Electrocution incidents often occur when property owners neglect electrical maintenance and safety measures. Faulty wiring, exposed cables, or lack of proper signage can result in electrocution accidents. Property owners have a duty to regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems to prevent such hazards. Failure to do so may lead to severe injuries or even fatalities, for which the at-fault property owner may be held accountable.

Structural Collapse

Additionally, structural collapse accidents can happen if property owners fail to maintain the integrity of their buildings and structures. This form of negligence may involve inadequate maintenance, ignoring structural defects, or neglecting necessary repairs. Our legal professionals can help victims and their families determine if a structural collapse is directly attributed to a property owner's careless behavior.

Inadequate Security

Inadequate security measures can also contribute to accidents resulting from criminal activities on the premises. Property owners are responsible for providing reasonable security to protect visitors from foreseeable harm. When negligent security measures are in place, such as poorly lit areas, lack of surveillance, or failure to address previous security incidents, visitors may become victims of crimes like assault or robbery. In such cases, property owners may be held liable for the harm caused by their inadequate security measures.

Animal Attacks

Property owners' negligence may also cause injuries in cases involving animal attacks. Whether it is a dog bite or an incident with other potentially dangerous animals, property owners are responsible for controlling and confining their pets or informing visitors about potential risks. Failure to do so can result in severe injuries because of animal attacks. Property owners may be held accountable for not taking appropriate precautions to prevent such incidents.

Fires and Burns

When fires occur on a property, visitors can suffer severe burn injuries as a result of the owner’s failure to implement appropriate fire safety measures. For instance, a property owner may cause harm by ignoring inadequate fire exits, faulty wiring, or the absence of smoke detectors. The team at our law firm can help hold a property owner legally responsible for the harm inflicted by their failure to ensure a safe environment.

Equipment Malfunctions

Accidents stemming from equipment malfunctions can occur when property owners neglect to properly maintain and inspect machinery or appliances on their premises. This negligence may involve failure to perform routine checks, ignoring manufacturer recommendations, or not replacing faulty equipment promptly. Individuals may sustain injuries such as lacerations, crushing injuries, or even amputations because of equipment malfunctions caused by a property owner's disregard for safety protocols.

Toxic Exposure

Lastly, negligence on the part of property owners can also lead to toxic exposure accidents. This may involve the presence of hazardous substances such as mold, lead paint, or other toxic materials. Property owners should take measures to identify and mitigate these risks, either through proper removal or adequate warnings. Failure to address toxic hazards can result in health issues for occupants or visitors, and property owners may be held liable for the resulting damages.

Time Limit to File a Case Against a Negligent Property Owner in West Lafayette, IN

The time limit to file an injury case against a negligent property owner is established by I.C. § 34-11-2-4(1). Typically, you will have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. Failure to act in accordance with this deadline may cause you to miss out on important monetary damages.

Despite the fact that you may have up to two years to file your case, you should begin building your claim as quickly as possible after your accident. If you wait too long, important evidence needed to support your case may become difficult to collect or preserve. For instance, a witness may forget a relevant detail, or an important document may become lost. The more quickly you begin the evidence collection process, the more efficient it will be.

Call Our Attorneys for Assistance with Your Premises Liability Case in West Lafayette, IN

Seek guidance from our premises liability lawyers by calling Wruck Paupore at (219) 322-1166.