After a slip-and-fall accident, you might wonder what legal protection you have for an injury you sustained. Luckily, North Carolina has strict premises liability laws, which means as a victim, you can work with an attorney to seek compensation for your damages. The following guide highlights all the information you need to get started. 

What Is the Landlord’s Responsibility?

The landlord is responsible for meeting their legal due diligence to keep their property safe for all lawful visitors. This is true for both commercial and residential properties. That due diligence means either rectifying any hazards as soon as they are made aware of them or providing attendees with a thorough warning so they may proceed at their own risk. 

For example, if a landlord knew there was a broken step at the entrance of their property, they would be required to do one of two things. First, they could post notices that clearly depict the condition of the property. Alternatively, they could shut the area off to the public until the issue has been fixed. 

What Is a Lawful Visitor?

In the state of North Carolina, premises liability cases are only considered viable when you can prove you were a lawful visitor at the time of the accident. A lawful visitor is considered a person who is legally allowed on the property, whether by invitation or through public access.

For instance, if you were eating at a restaurant during operating hours and slipped on a wet floor on your way to the restroom, you would be able to meet with an attorney and move forward with a lawsuit because the landlord did not create a safe environment for their patrons. However, if you had broken into the restaurant after it was closed down for the day, the situation would be different. In this case, the landlord would not be held responsible because you broke the law. 

If you were hurt due to the negligence of a property owner, the attorneys at Hill & Hovis in High Point, NC, are here to help. With over 60 years of experience advocating on the behalf of injured clients, they have the knowledge and legal intelligence to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Visit their website for more information on their practice areas and call (336) 883-6000 to schedule an initial consultation with one of their attorneys today.