Welcome to the North Carolina Premises Liability website for Hardison & Associates, LLP, Attorneys at Law. This site presents information on the duty of property owners to prevent accidents on their premises and the legal rights of individuals who have been injured on another’s property.

Bound by their determination to make the justice system work for their clients, Kenneth L. Hardison and Associates (the firm’s founders) and their team of legal professionals have effectively represented North Carolina personal injury victims and their families for over two decades. Our clients include those who have suffered physical, emotional and mental trauma due to medical malpractice, catastrophic accidents, wrongful death of loved one and premises liability. Regardless of the size of the claim, we offer expert assistance and skilled negotiation to help our clients receive the maximum compensation available.

One of the fastest growing segments of personal injury claims for residential and business owners is premises liability. Premises liability covers a comprehensive range of suits for injuries caused by a property owner’s failure to warn, maintain and correct situations on public and private premises. Some typical conditions that cause accidents include:

• broken or cracked sidewalks,
• slippery or wet floors,
• falls on escalators and elevators,
• unprovoked dog bites and attacks,
• exposure to hazardous chemicals or toxic materials at work or in the home,
• injuries that result from the criminal acts of others due to inadequate security,
• “failure to warn” notification of a property’s hazardous or unsafe condition.

Personal injury victims are entitled to file claims against businesses and individuals who are negligent in their legal duty to provide a reasonably safe condition of property or at a minimum, a warning that conditions may be unsafe. Negligent property owners are responsible to pay the victim damages that may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of current and potential wages, and other damages.

Generally, the law provides for compensation in cases where the accident was preventable. The law considers many factors in premises liability claims. Was the property satisfactorily maintained? “Slip and falls” occur when a victim is hurt because of dangerous conditions on someone else’s premises such as icy sidewalks, or a slippery floor in a store. Was the injured party (entrant) an invitee, licensee, or trespasser? Regardless of how or why a person enters a property, the owners may be held liable if an injury occurs. Not everyone who is injured is successful in their claim. It must be proven to the court that the property owner failed in their duty to maintain reasonably safe premises, or that the owner failed to warn of danger that they were aware existed, or that the owner should have known the danger existed and made the victim aware of the risk.

While many businesses and homeowners have premises liability insurance, it may be insufficient to cover the damages suffered by the victim. In these cases, the property owner becomes personally responsible for additional compensation. If an insurance company does make a settlement offer, it is prudent to consult with an attorney who specializes in premises liability to ensure that the victim’s interests are protected. Insurance is a business, and like any business – they own interests and profit are their priority. We advise personal injury victims who are approached by an insurance company representative to decline further discussion and not accept any offers until they have representation from a legal expert who will make the protection of the injured victim’s rights the highest priority.

The Hardison & Associates firm has demonstrated success in proving premises liability claims and helping injured victims to receive the compensation to which they are entitled. If you believe that your injury was caused by a negligent property or business owner, please contact us today to discuss your case.

Please call Hardison & Associates, “the people’s law firm”, a Premise Liability lawyers can be reached at  800-434-8113 or via e-mail.