Premises liability and personal injury are two types of legal claims people can file when they suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence. However, not every personal injury case qualifies as a premises liability case. Learning the difference can help you understand what to expect as you seek compensation from the at-fault party.
Understanding Premises Liability vs. Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases arise when a person gets hurt in an accident or incident that is someone else’s fault. This broad area of the law includes everything from motor vehicle accidents and dog bites to defective products and medical malpractice. Premises liability claims fall under the category of personal injury law, but have a narrower focus.
Premises liability involves injuries that occur due to a dangerous condition on someone else’s property. Landowners, landlords, businesses, and public agencies have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for legal visitors to their premises. When they fail to meet this obligation and someone gets hurt, the victim may be eligible to file a premises liability claim.
What Is the Difference Between Premises Liability and Personal Liability?
Premises liability focuses on dangerous property conditions. Personal liability refers to the action of an individual or entity.
A premises liability claim could arise from accidents like:
- Slip-and-fall accidents on wet floors or icy walkways
- Being struck by falling merchandise in stores
- Swimming pool accidents
- Inadequate security
- Poor lighting
- Broken steps and handrails
- Uneven surfaces
- Torn carpets
Personal injury liability comes into play in cases like:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Physical altercations or intentional harm
- Sports injuries
- Recreational accidents
- Dog bites
- Dangerous drugs and products liability
- Medical negligence
- Workplace injuries
In both personal liability and premises liability claims, victims must prove that the at-fault party failed to use reasonable care to prevent harming them.
How a Sacramento Injury Attorney Can Help
With 25 years of experience representing injured individuals in Sacramento and the surrounding areas, Demas Law Group understands the complexities of premises liability and personal injury claims. Our seasoned attorneys can:
- Evaluate your case and determine the most appropriate type of claim
- Place an appropriate value on your case
- Gather evidence supporting your injury claim
- File your claim within all relevant deadlines
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Work with expert witnesses when needed
- Negotiate for a settlement that accurately reflects your past, current, and future losses
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to make a fair deal
Contact Demas Law Group Now for a Free Case Review
Some people avoid seeking legal representation because they believe they can’t afford a lawyer. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Demas Law Group charge you nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover a financial award on your behalf.
Let us review your case and explain your legal options today. Call or contact Demas Law Group for a free consultation.