Experienced Portland Premises Injury Lawyer
At Newlin Law Offices, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the difficult aftermath of a premises-related injury. Whether you’ve been hurt due to a slip-and-fall, unsafe conditions, or negligence by a property owner, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our approach is rooted in compassion and a deep understanding of Oregon’s premises liability laws and personal injury law. We see each client as an individual with unique needs and concerns, not just another case file. By crafting tailored legal strategies, we work tirelessly to hold negligent property owners accountable and help you secure the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
Don’t navigate the complexities of premises liability alone. We’re here to provide clarity, guidance, and advocacy.
Ready to take the first step? Call us today at 503-405-8273 for a free consultation.
Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle
Premises liability covers a diverse range of incidents, and our team at Newlin Law Offices has experience handling various types of cases:
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Slippery or uneven surfaces, unmarked wet floors, and icy sidewalks often result in falls that can cause severe injuries. Property owners must address these hazards promptly or provide adequate warnings to visitors. Additionally, implementing adequate security measures is crucial in preventing slip-and-fall accidents.
Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Property owners may be held accountable if their pets or animals cause harm to visitors. Oregon law has specific rules about liability for dog bites and other animal-related injuries.
Fires and Burn Injuries
Inadequate fire alarms, blocked exits, or other fire safety violations can lead to devastating injuries. Property owners are required to comply with fire safety standards to protect tenants and visitors.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Drowning and other pool-related injuries often occur due to inadequate fencing, lack of warning signs, or poor maintenance. Pool owners must adhere to strict safety regulations to minimize risks.
Amusement Park and Recreational Area Accidents
Unsafe rides, poorly maintained equipment, or lack of safety precautions in amusement parks or recreational areas can result in serious injuries for visitors.
Escalator and Elevator Malfunctions
Improperly maintained or malfunctioning escalators and elevators can lead to injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to more severe trauma.
Negligent Security
Property owners have a duty to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. When they fail in this duty, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries. Negligent security can be inadequate lighting, faulty surveillance systems, or insufficient security personnel.
Responsibilities of Property Owners
Property owners in Oregon have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe, but the extent of this responsibility varies depending on the relationship between the property owner and the person who was injured. Oregon law classifies individuals on a property into three categories: licensees, invitees, and trespassers, each with distinct protections and obligations.
Licensees
A licensee is someone who enters a property with the owner’s permission for their own purposes, such as a social guest or family member. Property owners owe licensees a duty to address hidden dangers they are aware of and that could cause harm, even if the visitor is acting cautiously. They must also avoid reckless or intentional actions that create safety risks.
Invitees
Invitees are individuals who enter a property for the owner’s benefit, often for business purposes, like customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, requiring them to inspect for potential hazards, address unsafe conditions, and warn invitees of any risks.
Trespassers
Generally, property owners owe no duty of care to trespassers. However, exceptions exist, such as when an owner knowingly creates dangers, is aware of repeated trespassing, or if the trespasser is a child, particularly around attractive nuisances like pools or construction sites.
How Do You Prove an Oregon Premises Liability Lawsuit?
To recover compensation for a personal injury on someone else’s property in Oregon, you must demonstrate that the property owner's negligence created a hazardous condition that directly caused your injury. Building a successful case requires evidence to establish four key elements:
- Duty of care: You must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care. This duty requires property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe, address hazards in a timely manner, and warn visitors of potential dangers when they cannot be immediately resolved.
- Breach of duty: Next, you must prove that the property owner failed to fulfill this duty. For instance, ignoring repeated requests to fix a broken handrail or failing to clear ice from a walkway after a storm may constitute a breach of duty.
- Causation: You need to connect the owner’s negligence directly to your personal injury. For example, if a landlord fails to fix a broken staircase and you are injured in a fall, this demonstrates a causal link between the negligence and your accident.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that the accident caused measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, property damage, or pain and suffering. Providing documentation like medical bills, wage statements, and photographs of the injury can help substantiate your claim.
Our experienced premises liability lawyer can help gather the evidence needed to prove these elements, strengthening your case and increasing your chances of securing fair compensation.
What to Do If You’re Injured on Someone Else’s Property
If you experience an injury on another person’s property, taking the right steps immediately can safeguard your health and strengthen any potential premises liability claim:
- Get medical attention: Your well-being should always come first. Seek medical care promptly to address your injuries and to ensure they are properly documented. These medical records can play a vital role in supporting your case.
- Notify the property owner or manager: Report the incident to the property owner, manager, or landlord as soon as possible. In commercial settings, request a written report of the incident, which can serve as valuable evidence later.
- Gather evidence: If it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of the hazard that caused your injury. Also, collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who can provide statements about what happened.
- Contact premises liability attorneys: Premises liability cases involve strict legal deadlines and complexities. Consulting experienced premises liability attorneys early on ensures your rights are protected and increases your chances of a successful resolution.
Taking these steps can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and in securing the compensation you deserve.
Our Proven Results:
Past Case Success
How Our Premises Liability Attorney Can Assist You
At our law firm, we are committed to providing thorough legal support to help you navigate the complexities of premises liability cases. Our experienced team will assist you with:
- Case evaluation: We will carefully assess your situation, review the details of the incident, and determine liability.
- Evidence gathering: Our team will collect vital evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs of the scene to strengthen your case.
- Identifying responsible parties: We will investigate all aspects of the incident to identify any individuals or entities responsible for maintaining the property and its safety. This includes evaluating whether adequate security measures were in place, especially in high-risk areas like parking garages or apartment complexes.
- Damages calculation: We will work to determine the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, ensuring you seek the maximum compensation possible.
- Negotiation and litigation: While many premises liability cases settle out of court, we are prepared to advocate for your best interests in court if needed. Our team is dedicated to securing a fair outcome, whether through negotiation or litigation.
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