The holiday spirit should not come at the cost of your safety. Unfortunately, many individuals and families experience the joy of the season overshadowed by painful injuries sustained due to negligent property owners.
Holiday-related incidents can put a strain on your health and finances
During the holidays, the most common injuries include:
- Slips, trips and falls: Icy sidewalks, wet floors from melted snow and even stray Christmas decorations can turn a joyful occasion into a painful experience.
- Cuts and lacerations: Broken ornaments, sharp edges on decorations and improperly assembled toys can all pose risks, especially to children.
- Burns: Holiday cooking often involves open flames and hot surfaces, increasing the chance of burns.
- Food poisoning: Improperly stored or prepared food at holiday gatherings can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes serious illnesses.
Under premises liability laws, the responsibility for keeping a property free from dangerous conditions falls on the owner. This duty extends to holiday-related hazards that may arise.
The financial repercussions can be substantial. Victims may face expensive hospital stays, ongoing physical therapy and the inability to work for extended periods. The emotional weight of nursing an injury during what should be a joyous time can also be significant.
Pursuing justice for your injuries
You may recover compensation if you or a loved one suffers an injury due to unsafe property conditions. In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. It is crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case.
Property owners may try to deny responsibility or claim you were at fault. They might argue that hazards were obvious or that you were not paying attention. An experienced attorney can help counter these arguments and fight for your rights.
