Premises Liability

Experienced Premises Liability Lawyers

AKA Slip & Fall

Premises liability, sometimes referred to as “slip and fall,” refers to the duty of an owner or occupier of land to make the premises reasonably safe for others. Common premises liability cases involve foreign substances on a floor (produce, liquid, dirt, etc.), a dangerous flooring condition (rotten wood, cracked sidewalks, hidden holes, etc.), or faulty safety conditions (unlawfully low banisters, missing handrails, poorly constructed railings, etc.). An owner or occupier of land who fails to make the premises reasonably safe may be held accountable for any injuries that result from the unsafe condition.

The duty owed to the person entering the property varies, depending on that person’s reason for being on the property. For instance, if the person is there to do business with the owner or occupier, that person is a “licensee,” and is owed a high duty of care. On the other end of the spectrum, if the person is there without permission, then that person is a “trespasser,” and is owed a low duty of care. There are several other statuses in between, and a different duty is owed to each status. Also, a person’s status may change while on the premises, depending on various factors.

Premises liability cases are extremely difficult. This is due to Oregon’s poorly written law on the topic. Many attorneys refuse to take such cases. Most insurance companies refuse to make fair settlement offers in premises liability cases without a lawyer involved. Only a seasoned personal injury attorney can properly sort out the status of the injured person, the duty of the owner or occupier, and ensure fair compensation.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance concerning a premises liability injury, call Dwyer, Williams, Potter Attorneys, LLP toll free at (800) 285-8678, or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis. That means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. If this date passes, your claim will be lost forever. Please feel free to contact us right away to ensure that you do not lose your right to compensation.

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