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Rhode Island Premises Liability Lawyer

We've Recovered Millions for Our Clients

When you visit someone else’s property, you should be able to assume that they have provided you a reasonably safe space. If an unreasonable hazard on the property causes you to suffer a serious injury, then the property owner could be the one liable for your damages. But how do you prove it was their negligence that caused your accident on their property?

Start by calling (401) 921-4905 and teaming up with Rhode Island premises liability Attorney Rich Sands at Sands Law Offices. With nearly 30 years of legal experience under his belt and millions of dollars recovered for his clients in past case results, he is the name you can trust with your premises liability case. Our “no fees or costs until we win your case” policy makes it so simple for you to begin your claim without any worries, too!

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability occurs when a landowner or occupier is held responsible for damages that occur on their property. An injury claim may be filed when the landowner has not provided an individual with an expected duty of care. These injuries are typically the result of unsafe or defective conditions.

Learn more about our law firm by contacting us at any time. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

Types of Premises Liability Claims

A premises liability claim is any injury claim that originates from a hazard or defect specific to a piece of property, or how a piece of property was poorly managed. Therefore, there are many ways a premises liability claim can arise. Yet, there are a few incidents cited more commonly than others in premises liability claims.

Four of the most common premises liability claims are:

  • Slip and fall accidents: Every year, thousands of Americans will slip and fall on someone else’s property, such as while visiting a friend or shopping in a retail store. As a welcome visitor, guest, or customer who slips or trips and falls, you may be owed compensation from the property owner for your injuries.
  • Dog bites and animal attacks: Uncontrolled or uncontained animals may lash out unexpectedly and cause serious injuries. Rhode Island uses a “one bite” rule that states you can sue for damages if you are bitten by a dog on its owner’s property as long as the owner had reason to believe the dog would attack or act aggressively towards a visitor.
  • Negligent security: When visiting places with high crime rates, or functions that entice criminals, you should be protected with a reasonable amount of security. Property owners who do not arrange such security measures can be held liable for any injury caused by criminals on their premises. For example, a bar should have at least one bouncer to stop drunk patrons from getting into fights.
  • Swimming pool accidents: Public and private swimming pool owners and managers have a responsibility to keep the swimming pool reasonably safe when in and not in use. For instance, public swimming pools should have a lifeguard on duty at all times, unless ample signage warn swimmers that no lifeguard is there. A private swimming pool should be covered to deter young children from wandering to it, as described under Rhode Island’s “attractive nuisance” rules.

When a Property Owner Becomes Liable

The simple existence of a hazard on someone’s property does not make them automatically liable for any accidents or injuries that result from it. The hazard must be deemed “unreasonable” for it to apply liability on the property owner. Typically, a hazard is “unreasonable” if the property owner knows about it – or should have known about it – but did nothing to address, fix, or clean it up.

Example 1: You spill orange juice while grocery shopping, walk to another aisle, and return to the original aisle only a minute later. The orange juice has not been mopped up, you slip, and get injured. The grocer would likely not be liable for your injury and damages for two reasons: firstly, you caused the hazard and did not report it; secondly, it is reasonable to assume a store attendant did not notice the hazard in the minute you walked away.

Example 2: Another shopper spills orange juice while grocery shopping. About 45 minutes later, you walk down the same aisle, slip on the juice while looking at your grocery list, fall, and get hurt. The grocer would likely be liable for your damages because they should have had ample time to be aware of the hazard and clean it up, or at least stop shoppers from approaching it.

Trust in a Team Rhode Islanders Know – Call (401) 921-4905

To take the guesswork and legwork out of your premises liability claim, place it in the experienced hands of Sands Law Offices. Our Rhode Island premises liability attorney is known in all corners of the state for our professionalism, compassion, and, of course, great case results.

Was the first time I ever had to seek legal representation after a car accident that I was injured in. Rich was recommended to me through a family member, and I am so glad that I decided to be represented by Rich.”
Nicole, Rhode Island
Rich was supportive and helpful throughout a very difficult time for me. I recently got into a car accident where I was injured and my car was declared totaled. In complete panic not knowing what to do, I called Rich.”
Karissa, Rhode Island
Rich was a wealth of knowledge and support during a difficult time. He always made time to explain procedures and answer all questions in a timely manner.”
Mark M., Rhode Island
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