Factors That Can Lead to the Dismissal of Your Premises Liability Claim

May 11, 2023

Have you ever been injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence? If so, you may be entitled to file a premises liability claim against them. However, it is important to note that not all claims are successful.

Factors such as failure to prove negligence or the presence of comparative negligence can lead to the dismissal of your claim. In this blog post, we will discuss six factors that can potentially result in the dismissal of your premises liability case and what steps you can take to avoid them.

Call our Columbia personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.

Failure to Prove Negligence

One of the most important factors that can lead to the dismissal of your premises liability claim is your failure to prove negligence. Negligence refers to a property owner’s failure to take reasonable care in ensuring their premises are safe for visitors.

To win a premises liability case, you must demonstrate that the property owner had a legal duty of care towards you and breached this duty by failing to maintain a safe environment. Furthermore, you must also establish that this breach was the direct cause of your injury.

It is essential to note that proving negligence requires evidence such as photographs, witness statements, or surveillance footage. Therefore, if you do not have enough evidence or cannot provide sufficient proof of negligence on behalf of the other party, then it will be difficult for you to receive compensation for any injuries sustained while on their property.

Lack of Evidence

Lack of evidence is a common factor that can lead to the dismissal of your personal injury claim. When you file a premises liability lawsuit, you need to have evidence showing that the property owner was negligent and caused your injuries. Without it, your case will be difficult to prove in court.

There are different types of evidence that can support your claims such as medical reports, accident reports, witness statements, or photos. But if you failed to gather enough solid evidence at the scene, it’s likely that insurance companies and defense lawyers will deny any liability for their client.

Remember that without concrete proof of negligence on behalf of the property owner or manager, there may not be sufficient grounds for compensation. If possible, collect as much information as possible immediately after an injury occurs so you can provide good quality documentation which might include written testimonies from witnesses or other relevant sources.

Comparative Negligence

Comparative negligence is a legal concept that can seriously impact the outcome of your personal injury claim. If you are found to have contributed to your own injury, it may be difficult or even impossible to recover damages for your losses.

Comparative negligence means you were partially responsible for the accident or injury on someone else’s property. For example, if you were texting and not paying attention when you slipped and fell on a wet floor in a store, the court might find that you were partly at fault for your injuries.

If comparative negligence is proven in your case, it could significantly reduce the amount of compensation you receive.

Columbia personal injury lawyer meeting an injured man

Assumption of Risk

Assumption of risk is a legal doctrine that can lead to the dismissal of your premises liability claim. This means that if you voluntarily assume the risk of a dangerous condition, then you cannot hold the property owner responsible for any resulting injuries or damages.

For example, if there is a sign warning about wet floors and you choose to walk on them anyway, then you are assuming the risk of slipping and falling. Similarly, if there is construction going on in an area marked as off-limits and you choose to enter it anyway, then you are assuming the risk of injury.

Assumption of risk can also apply if you engage in activities with inherent risks, such as sports or recreational activities. If you participate in these activities knowing that they involve certain dangers, you may be unable to sue for injuries sustained during those activities.

Open and Obvious Dangers

When it comes to premises liability claims, one important factor that can lead to the dismissal of your claim is if the danger was “open and obvious.” This means that the hazard or risk was so apparent that a reasonable person would have noticed it and taken steps to avoid it.

For example, if you slip and fall on a wet floor in a grocery store aisle, but there were several caution signs warning of the slippery conditions, then it may be difficult for you to prove negligence on behalf of the store. The argument could be made that you should have seen those signs and taken measures to avoid slipping.

However, just because something is open and obvious doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always your fault. There are certain circumstances where property owners still bear some responsibility even if there are open and obvious dangers present.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which you must file a lawsuit. If you fail to file the lawsuit within the statute of limitations, the claim may be dismissed.

The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident.

Once the statute of limitations has expired, you are generally barred from filing a premises liability claim. The defendant is no longer liable for any damages that may have resulted from the incident. Therefore, it is important for you to file the claim within the statute of limitations to preserve your legal rights.

Contact An Experienced Columbia Personal injury Lawyer 

If you have been injured on someone’s property, it is crucial to understand the factors that can lead to the dismissal of your claim. From failure to prove negligence and lack of evidence to comparative negligence and assumption of risk, there are several issues that can hurt your chances of receiving compensation.

However, with the help of an experienced Columbia personal injury lawyer, you can navigate these challenges and pursue justice for your injuries. A skilled attorney can gather evidence, build a strong case on your behalf, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for maximum compensation through litigation if necessary.

Our law firm is committed to helping personal injury victims obtain the financial recovery they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you!

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