Oklahoma property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for others. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property because of dangerous conditions, you can get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering through premises liability law.
Premises liability cases can include many different types of incidents, from a slip-and-fall at a store to a dog bite to an assault due to inadequate security. Our team has a strong track record of dealing with complex premises liability cases, and we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies can be quick to offer settlements for less than what you’re entitled to receive. Parrish DeVaughn can fight for your rights, prove liability, and ensure that you receive the money you’re owed.
If you’ve suffered an injury on someone else’s property in Oklahoma City, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners and occupiers have to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. They can be held liable when they fail to uphold this duty, resulting in accidents and injuries.
Here are some of the most common types of premises liability claims:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common premises liability claim. These accidents can occur due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, loose rugs, or obstacles in walkways. Property owners must address hazards promptly to prevent such incidents.
2. Inadequate Security
Property owners are responsible for providing adequate security measures to protect visitors from criminal activities. Inadequate security claims arise when insufficient lighting, lack of security personnel, or broken locks contribute to assaults, robberies, or other violent crimes on the property.
3. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from harming others. Dog bites and animal attacks can result in severe injuries, infections, and emotional trauma. Property owners can be held liable if they don’t restrain their animals properly.
4. Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools pose various hazards, including drowning, slip-and-fall accidents, and diving injuries. To prevent accidents, property owners must ensure their pools are secure, maintain proper fencing and signage, and adhere to safety regulations.
5. Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Malfunctioning elevators and escalators can cause serious injuries, including crush injuries, falls, and entrapment. Property owners and managers must ensure regular maintenance and inspections to keep these devices safe for use.
6. Fire and Smoke Injuries
Fires and smoke, especially in confined spaces like buildings can cause devastating injuries and deaths. Premises liability claims may arise if a property owner fails to maintain fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire exits. They can also be held liable if their property does not comply with fire safety regulations.
7. Toxic Exposure
Exposure to hazardous substances such as mold, asbestos, lead paint, or chemical spills can lead to serious health issues. Property owners must ensure their premises are free from toxic hazards and provide adequate warnings and remediation if such hazards are present.
8. Construction Site Accidents
Construction sites pose numerous risks, including falling objects, exposed electrical wiring, and uneven surfaces. Property owners and contractors must implement safety measures to protect workers and visitors from harm.
9. Falling Objects
Injuries from falling objects can occur in retail stores, warehouses, or construction sites when items are improperly secured or stored. Property owners are responsible for ensuring that objects are safely positioned to prevent accidents.
10. Amusement Park Accidents
Amusement parks must ensure that rides and attractions are safe for visitors. Accidents can occur due to mechanical failures, operator errors, or inadequate maintenance. Injured visitors may have grounds for premises liability claims against negligent parks.
11. Hotel and Hospitality Injuries
Hotels and resorts must provide a safe environment for guests. Common claims include slips, falls, food poisoning, elevator accidents, and injuries from defective furniture or appliances.
12. Playground Injuries
Playgrounds should be safe spaces for children to play. Accidents can occur due to poorly maintained equipment, inadequate supervision, or dangerous surfaces. Property owners must ensure that playgrounds are regularly inspected and hazards are addressed.
Where Premises Liability Accidents Happen in Oklahoma City
Though premises liability accidents can happen anywhere, they’re especially common in areas where pedestrian volume is highest. That includes:
- Popular shopping centers like the Penn Square Mall, OKC Outlets, and Quail Springs Mall
- Restaurants and bars in Bricktown
- Big-box retailers and grocery stores, such as Walmart, Target, Crest, or Homeland
- Recreational and outdoor areas, such as Scissortail Park and Myriad Botanical Gardens
- Dog parks, including Midtown Mutts or Paw OK Dog Park
- Sports and event venues, such as Paycom Center, Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, or Oklahoma State Fairgrounds
These aren’t the only locations where people suffer harm due to dangerous property conditions. In many cases, these accidents happen in apartment complexes, rental units, private residences, office buildings, and other everyday locations.
What to Do After a Premises Liability Accident in Oklahoma City
The steps you take immediately after an accident can make a big difference in protecting your health and your legal rights. If you’ve been hurt on someone else’s property in Oklahoma City, consider the following actions:
- Get medical attention right away. Call 911 in emergencies, or visit a local urgent care or hospital (we’ve provided some local options below). Prioritizing your health also creates an official medical record of your injuries.
- Report the incident. Notify the property owner, manager, or staff on duty. Ask them to create a written report if possible, and request a copy for your records.
- Document everything. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, the hazardous condition, and your injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Avoid early settlement offers. Insurance companies often try to resolve claims quickly for less than you deserve. Don’t sign or accept anything before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact an experienced Oklahoma City premises liability lawyer. An attorney can investigate the incident, preserve crucial evidence, and ensure your rights are protected from the start.
By taking these steps, you give yourself the best chance to recover physically and financially after a premises liability accident.
Seeking Treatment for Premises Liability-Related Injuries in OKC
After suffering a serious injury, it’s important to seek medical help. This will not only ensure healthcare professionals treat your condition, but it will also serve as important documentation in a premises liability case, establishing an official record and timeline of your injury.
Oklahoma City has several medical facilities where you can seek treatment, including:
- Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City: 4300 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
- SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital: 1000 N Lee Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center: 3300 Northwest Expy, Oklahoma City, OK 73112
- INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center: 4401 S Western Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109
After getting treatment, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all recommended follow-up appointments. Consistent medical care not only supports your recovery, but also strengthens your premises liability claim by showing the full extent of your injuries.
If you have questions about how your medical records play into your case, the Oklahoma City premises liability lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn can guide you every step of the way. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Proving Liability in Premises Liability Cases
In premises liability cases, proving the property owner’s liability is crucial. Our team of Oklahoma City premises liability attorneys demonstrate that the property owner had a duty of care towards visitors and failed to uphold that duty.
We gather as much information as possible to strengthen your case, including photographs of the accident scene, video footage, witness statements, and, in some cases, expert testimony. If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, our Oklahoma City premises liability lawyers are here to help you hold them accountable. Reach out today for a free case review.
Compensation in Premises Liability Cases
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a property owner or manager in Oklahoma City, you may be entitled to seek compensation. This can range from medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering damages.
Our experienced Oklahoma City premises liability attorneys can help you understand the types of damages you may be entitled to and guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Premises Liability Lawyers in Oklahoma City
If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence, it’s vital to protect your rights with legal representation. The Oklahoma City premises liability lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and provide you with a clear understanding of your legal options. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us any fees unless we win your case. Our team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property, don’t hesitate to contact Parrish DeVaughn today to schedule your free consultation.
