You may know that property owners are required to keep their premises free of slip-and-fall hazards or take steps to address these hazards. A property owner’s responsibility does not end with drying wet surfaces or fixing loose carpeting, however. Commercial and residential property owners are also responsible for taking steps to prevent criminal activities from occurring on their premises.
If you or a loved one has been hurt s as a result of an assault, rape, robbery or other criminal act, you may be entitled to receive damages for your injuries. At Hearn Law Firm, our premises liability attorney in Jackson is qualified to file premises liability claims against property owners who do not maintain a safe environment for visitors. Lawyer Philip C. Hearn has the legal skills necessary to handle complex negligent or inadequate security claims and win. Contact him today at (662) 766-7777 for a free consultation.
Understanding a Property Owner’s Duty of Care in Jackson
In Mississippi, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain a reasonably safe environment for anyone who enters their premises. The specifics can vary based on the visitor’s status—whether they are invitees, licensees, or even trespassers, each category receives a different level of protection under state law.
This duty encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from ensuring walkways are clear of hazards to maintaining secure premises to prevent foreseeable criminal activities. Failure to meet these standards can lead to legal action if someone is injured as a result.
The law recognizes that while accidents happen, many are preventable with due diligence from property owners. As such, property owners in Jackson must be vigilant in inspecting their premises for potential hazards and rectify any issues promptly.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
A premises liability case can emerge in various forms, reflecting the many ways in which individuals interact with the spaces around them. These include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These cases often involve hazards like wet floors or uneven pathways. The key question is whether the property owner knew of the danger and failed to correct it.
- Inadequate Security: Cases arise when property owners neglect to prevent foreseeable criminal activities, necessitating adequate lighting, secure locks, and possibly security personnel.
- Falling Objects: Injuries from objects tumbling from shelves or construction sites underscore the need for proper maintenance and safety protocols.
- Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Malfunctions or neglect in maintaining these conveyances can lead to serious injuries.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Especially relevant in residential areas or hotels, where the absence of proper fencing or lifeguards can result in tragedy.
Each category emphasizes the crucial responsibility of property owners to ensure their premises are safe for everyone who visits.
What Do Negligent Security Claims Cover in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, victims of criminal acts can file civil claims against property owners who do not address known security risks by:
- Providing sufficient lighting in hallways, parking lots and other areas
- Fixing faulty locks on doors and maintaining security systems
- Hiring an appropriate number of security guards and providing the necessary training
- Posting warning signs in less-trafficked areas to alert visitors
- Limiting the number of keys that may be duplicated in apartments or other residential communities
Whether you are leasing an apartment, spending time at a mall, meeting friends at a bar or another establishment, you depend on the property owner to take precautions to keep you safe. When negligent property owners fail to update their security systems to save money, they put your life at risk.
Challenges in Premises Liability Claims
Navigating a premises liability claim in Jackson presents its own set of challenges, often hinging on the concepts of negligence and comparative negligence. Establishing negligence requires proving the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to act. This involves gathering substantial evidence, including surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements.
Under Mississippi’s comparative negligence law (Mississippi Code § 11-7-15), if the injured party is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced proportionally to their share of the fault. For example, if a visitor ignored clear warning signs or ventured into restricted areas, this could impact the outcome of their claim.
Understanding these hurdles is vital for anyone involved in a premises liability case. The complexity of proving fault and navigating Mississippi’s specific legal nuances emphasizes the importance of skilled legal guidance.
How a Jackson Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help
An experienced lawyer is often essential for a successful premises liability claim. A Jackson premises liability lawyer’s role extends from the initial assessment of your claim, through the rigorous collection of evidence, to representing you in settlement negotiations or at trial.
An experienced Jackson premises liability lawyer will be skilled in identifying key pieces of evidence that can substantiate your claim, such as surveillance footage or maintenance logs.
Moreover, the right lawyer will bring invaluable knowledge to interpreting Mississippi’s laws to your advantage, effectively communicating your case for compensation, and fighting for your rights to be fully protected so that you may receive all the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Hearn Law Firm in Jackson, Mississippi?
Selecting Hearn Law Firm for your premises liability case in Jackson means partnering with a firm that stands out for its dedication, experience, and client-focused approach. We understand the complexities of Mississippi law and how to leverage it in favor of our clients.
With a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes, our lawyers prioritize your needs, offering personalized legal strategies tailored to your specific situation. Our reputation for excellence and a compassionate approach to client representation make us a compelling choice for anyone facing the challenges of a premises liability claim in Mississippi.
Contact a Skilled Jackson Premises Liability Attorney in Jackson
As a skilled premises liability lawyer in Jackson, Philip C. Hearn knows how to present compelling arguments in court that get results. He has also secured favorable settlements for clients in negotiation with at-fault parties and their insurers. Drawing on almost three decades of personal injury experience, Jackson premises liability attorney Hearn is equipped to design an aggressive negotiation or litigation strategy.
We offer free consultations for negligent security claims. Learn about your options when you meet us at our Jackson or Blue Mountain office. If you are unable to visit us at our office, we will travel to you. Reach our experienced Jackson premises liability attorneys today when you complete our online form or call (662) 766-7777.