If you get hurt on someone else’s property, you may be able to make a premises liability claim. You should act quickly though, because the state does not give you unlimited time to take legal action. You should talk to a Prince George’s County dog bite lawyer about the potential value of your case as soon as you can.
Why Do I Have a Limited Time to File a Premises Liability Claim?
The statute of limitations exists because, at a certain point, it would be incredibly difficult to prove whether or not an accident actually led to someone’s injuries. It can also be hard for anyone to remember accurate versions of events years and years later. Finally, people should not have to go through life worrying that they could be sued for incidents that happened a decade ago. If you have a legitimate premises liability claim, it must be made before the statute of limitations expires.
What Can Be Considered a Premises Liability Claim?
There are a few types of accidents that can qualify someone to make a premises liability claim. Common ones include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Toxic exposure
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
- Safety code violations
- Elevator and escalator accidents
If a dangerous situation exists on someone’s property, the owner has a responsibility to protect guests from it. If they do not address a hazard or do their best to keep others away from it, they could be found negligent.
How Much Time Do I Have?
You must make a premises liability claim within three years in Maryland. If you were harmed in an accident in Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations lasts for the same amount of time. Virginia has a shorter time limit of just two years.
We recommend that you do not wait until the statute of limitations is just about to expire. It can be easier for your lawyer to gather evidence and build up your case. Surveillance footage can get erased or overwritten. The memories of crucial witnesses could start to fade away. Acting quickly is almost always in your best interest.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You are not required to hire a lawyer when pursuing a personal injury claim. One can do a lot to help you with your case though. Proving negligence of another person can be difficult, but your lawyer will do their best to build a case that makes it clear that the property owner knowingly put guests like you in danger. You are owed compensation as a result.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
So if you are ready to move forward with a premises liability claim, contact McCarthy, Winkelman & Mester, L.L.P. We can schedule a consultation and take a closer look at your case. It’s time to explore your legal options.
