Accidents Happen: What is Premises Liability?

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Accidents happen. That is one truth that anyone who has been around long enough knows. Even under the best of circumstances in St. Petersburg, where every possible precaution is taken, there is always a chance something could happen to you or someone you love.

As a matter of fact, if you are some place unfamiliar, or visiting a place away from home in Saint Petersburg, the odds of getting into some type of accident significantly increases.

If you or a loved one gets into an accident, you should have an understanding of what steps need to be taken next. Potentially large medical expenses, missed wages and time off work are just some of the financial consequences you might find yourself facing after an accident. Accidents happen, yes, but it’s up to you to make sure you are covered.

Coverage and Liability

If there is an accident in St. Petersburg and you are a part of it, it makes a difference where the accident happens. Liability usually falls on the part of the person who owns the premises the accident happens on, unless it is the clear fault of a person. Homeowners, business owners, and property owners all pay liability insurance, especially to cover the possibility of an accident.

If you, your spouse, or one of your children is hurt while on the property of someone else or a business in Saint Petersburg, you should report the accident to the property owner, and call a personal injury attorney to help you figure out if you have cause or a good reason to seek restitution. Sometimes your insurance company will take care of your medical expenses from a covered accident. Sometimes, though, insurance companies will try to give you a hard time, and you may be forced to seek damages just to cover your major expenses.

Liability used to only cover invited guests of the premises, but there is always a chance it will cover someone who happens to be passing through, too. That is one reason you may want to consult a personal injury attorney. If you don’t know the law well enough, or if the insurance is not cooperating to cover all of your financial needs because of the accident, you will want to have someone represent you who knows the law, knows the ins and outs of insurance claims and coverage, and has the ability to make sure the outcome is fair to you, the injured party.

Premises matter when you are injured. When you fill out your injury report to the insurance company, after accidents happen, make sure you include all applicable information. That would include the place where the accident happened, the conditions, who may have witnessed it, the time and date, and the known severity of the injuries. If you or the injured party has already received medical attention, you should also include the details about the help you received.

Premises law and liability are touchy subjects, especially if the accident happened on the property of someone you have a relationship with. Talking to a personal injury attorney may help you determine whether you should take any additional steps beyond reporting it to the insurance company covering the property.