Property owners are responsible for making sure that their property is safe for their visitors. When there’s a danger on the premises that they were aware of and did nothing to correct, then people visiting could get hurt. Whether you’re walking on a sidewalk, entering a business, or at your own apartment complex, you are owed a safe premises that won’t hurt you.
If you’ve been harmed on someone else’s property when they were supposed to keep it safe for you, then you could use the help of a Las Cruces, NM premises liability lawyer from Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm. We have experience representing clients who have been injured by the negligence of property owners and know how to get you the justice that you deserve.
Types and Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
After getting hurt on someone else’s property, you might not even realize that you have a premises liability claim that you can file. You should know the different types of premises liability accidents and what causes them so that you can better identify what happened to you and how a lawyer could help you hold the negligent property owner accountable.
Here are some of the most common types of premises liability accidents that attorneys see and the different scenarios that can cause them:
- Slip and Fall. When a property owner doesn’t properly maintain their premises, there could be hazards that could cause visitors to slip and fall and injure themselves. Hazards like loose carpets, uneven floors, broken stairs, missing handrails, poor lighting, spills, and ice- and snow-covered surfaces could lead to visitors suffering from injuries and would be the fault of a property owner or manager.
- Swimming Pool Accidents. While pools can be a fun way to cool off on hot days, they can also be dangerous if they’re not properly monitored or taken care of. Accidents like falls and drownings can happen when property owners aren’t paying attention to the people in their pool or do not take the proper safety measures.
- Dog Bites. Not only are property owners responsible for the objects that are hazardous on their property, but they’re also responsible for their dogs and keeping them from harming anyone. If a dog is let out and dangerous, they could bite people, which would be the owner’s fault.
- Negligent Security. For some properties, it’s expected that owners have security in place to keep their visitors safe. Places like businesses and parking garages should have security so that their customers are safe from crime and other assault. If a crime happens on the premises and a property owner should have had security, and injuries occur, the property owner could be partially liable for those injuries because of their negligence.
Accidents happen on other people’s property that can lead to you suffering from injuries and other damages. You might not even realize that the accident you were in could be the fault of someone else. Speaking with a Las Cruces, NM premises liability attorney could help you determine who was responsible and if you have a claim for your injuries.
Fault is an essential part of your claim and will rely on proving that the property owner or manager was negligent, and their negligence is what directly caused your damages. There are some other aspects involved in a claim, so let’s take a look at the premises liability laws in New Mexico to fully understand a case.
New Mexico Premises Liability Laws
Now that you understand the different kinds of accidents that can happen and what can cause them, you should know the laws that apply when you’re injured on someone else’s property. Mainly, you should know when they owe you a duty of care and how long you have to file a claim if you get hurt.
Unlike most states, New Mexico premises liability laws don’t classify differences in duty of care for invitees and licensees on property. Property owners owe the same duty of care to these visitors, regardless of if they were invited or were otherwise allowed to be on the property. As a general rule, they must ensure their property is safe of all hazards, and if it’s not, they must give an adequate warning of the dangers.
However, trespassers are not afforded the same duty of care. If a person is trespassing on the property, it doesn’t matter if the hazard that a property owner knew about harms them—they were not allowed to be on the premises in the first place, so the owner is not responsible for the trespasser’s damages.
Additionally, you should know the statute of limitations for filing a premises liability claim so that you can take legal action within the proper timeline. If you wait too long to file a claim, you could miss the statute of limitations, and then your case will be dismissed. When you’ve suffered an injury as the result of a dangerous premises, you have three years from the date of the injury.
When you have a Las Cruces, NM premises liability lawyer on your side, you can feel secure in your claim because we are experts in New Mexico Code. We can answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind that you will get the justice you deserve for your injuries and other damages.
Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm Will Support You
You shouldn’t have to go through a premises liability claim on your own. You’re likely feeling vulnerable from your injuries and from feeling betrayed by the negligence of a property owner. Even if they were your friend, they still need to be held accountable for their actions or inaction. That’s where we come in.
A Las Cruces, NM premises liability attorney from Buckingham Barrera Vega Law Firm can represent you in this difficult time. We’ll fully investigate what happened, determine how much you’re owed, and ensure that you’re not pressured to settle for less than you deserve.
We can support you throughout your entire claim. We’ll guide you through the process of your legal claim so that you can focus more on your healing and getting back to your normal life. Reach out to our office today so we can schedule your free consultation.
