A person signs documents after being injured on another person's property

NC Premises Liability: What to Do After Getting Injured on Someone Else’s Property

By Jeremy Bradford
Founding Partner

Under the law, a property owner must use “reasonable care” to keep lawful visitors safe from injury on their property. This may include wiping up spills, properly inspecting and maintaining the property, and ensuring that there is proper security on the property. When a property owner knows or should have known about an unsafe condition, but fails to exercise reasonable care in remedying it or issuing a proper warning, he or she can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Here’s what to do if you are injured on someone else’s property.

1. Seek immediate medical attention.

When you have been seriously injured on someone else’s property, the most important thing you should do is seek medical attention. While you may appear to be fine, you could have internal injuries or your condition could rapidly worsen. In such a case call an ambulance if possible. 

If you are not seriously injured, you’ll still want to make an appointment with your doctor. Insurance companies often argue that you weren’t hurt as you claim to be because you didn’t seek medical attention. 

2. Capture pictures and video of the relevant property. 

If you are able to stay on the scene of the accident, it’s key that you take pictures and video. This is so important because the scene could change as soon as you leave. Therefore, by taking pictures and video you have evidence of the condition of the property at the time of the accident. Be sure to capture not only the scene of the accident and any dangerous conditions involved, but also your injuries. 

3. Collect contact information of any witnesses. 

The more evidence that you have, the better. That’s why it’s a good idea to get contact information of any witnesses to your accident. Your attorney can contact them later on for statements regarding the incident, which can help corroborate your claim. Contact information includes their name, phone number, and address if possible. 

4. Report the incident – and your injury – to the property owner or manager. 

If you are injured on a business property, it’s important that you report the accident and your injuries to either the property owner or manager. If possible, request that the business create an incident report. Obtain a copy of the incident report and make a record of whom you reported the accident to, their title, and contact information. If you were injured by another person on someone else’s property, you should call the police and make a statement. The police will create a report that you can use later on. You should be sure to obtain a copy of the report.

5. Maintain a record of your related expenses. 

When you’ve been injured on someone else’s property be sure to maintain a record of any related expenses, such as:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage

If a court finds that the property owner was negligent in the accident you may be able to receive compensation for your related expenses. You may also be entitled to pain and suffering. Therefore, you’ll want to keep any receipts, doctors’ notes, and pay stubs.

6. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney.

The property owner’s insurance company will often try to have you sign a release and offer you money right away. They may even appear to be concerned and compassionate. However, it’s important that you do not sign anything or accept any compensation without first speaking to an attorney. This is because they don’t have your best interest at heart; they will commonly try to give you far less money than what you would otherwise be entitled to. By consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney who understands premises liability, he or she can help to build your case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

The Attorneys at Bradford Law Help Those in Charlotte Who Have Been Injured in an Accident

If you have been injured in an accident, your first priority is getting the medical care you need to heal and get back on track. But you also deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harms and losses. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a qualified North Carolina personal injury attorney.

At Bradford Law, we will work tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and get you meaningful compensation. We have comprehensive knowledge of the applicable negligence and insurance laws and will put those laws to work for you. We understand the lasting impact a serious injury can have on you and your family and will make sure that all of your medical and financial needs are met. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

About the Author
I am Jeremy Bradford, the founding and managing attorney of Bradford Law. From my offices in Charlotte, NC, I travel all across North Carolina helping injured people fight against insurance companies, in what could be life-altering circumstances. I have made a point to develop strong relationships with my clients. I take the trust my clients put in me personally and put myself into every case. If my client calls, my client will always be able to speak directly with me. You will get to know me as we work our way through the personal injury process. So when we make recommendations on whether to settle or go to trial, you will know your best interests are always at heart.