Every property owner has a responsibility to invited guests and customers to keep their premises safe. Sadly, property owners and managers are often negligent in performing repairs or cleaning up messes, leaving others vulnerable. Injuries suffered in accidents of this nature can range from broken bones and neck injuries to spinal cord and brain injuries. Our Rapid City premises liability attorneys can investigate the accident and help you pursue your legal options. We are serious about holding negligent property owners responsible and are here to protect your rights.
Please give us a call at (605) 600-2984 or fill out a contact form to make an appointment. We assist clients all over Pennington County and the surrounding area.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
The most common type of premises liability accident is a slip and fall accident. However, there are many issues which may be considered a dangerous hazard in a premises liability case. Premises liability laws can apply to a wide range of situations, from being bit by a dog on the street to falling down in a bank or store. We work to prove that the property owner or manager was aware of the hazardous condition and failed to prevent the accident.
A few examples of common causes of premises liability accidents include:
- Poor lighting
- Wet floors
- Potholes
- Missing railings
- Broken railings
- Inadequate security
- Icy sidewalks
- Dangerous dogs
- Broken staircases
What is the Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability Claims in South Dakota?
Premises liability claims in South Dakota are
governed by the statute of limitations found in South Dakota Codified Laws section 15-2-14, which gives injured parties three years from the date of the injury to seek legal action against the responsible party. In other words, if you w
ere hurt on someone else’s property, you have until the third anniversary of your injury to file a lawsuit against the property owner or other responsible party in pursuit of compensation for your losses.
If you attempt to file a lawsuit after this timeline expires, your case will almost certainly be immediately dismissed and you will effectively be barred from recovering damages. Even if you expect that your case will be res
olved in an insurance claim before this deadline, it is important to get an attorney involved early on in your case to guard your rights prepare for a possible trial if necessary.
Contact Our Rapid City Premises Liability Lawyers Today
If you slipped and fell or have been otherwise hurt on someone else’s premises, there are steps you can take to improve your claim. At Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP, we understand that being injured often means receiving immediate medical care. However, if you are able to do so, you should report the fall to the company’s owner or management, take notes, record all of the necessary information, and get witnesses’ contact information. You should also seek medical attention even if your injuries do not immediately seem severe. Finally and most importantly, you should speak with a Rapid City premises liability lawyer as soon as possible.