Premises Liability Attorney in the Portland, Oregon

When accidents happen, whether it’s a slip-and-fall, a dog bite, or another hazardous incident, you shouldn’t have to bear the weight of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress on your own. That’s where I come in.

As a premises liability attorney in the Portland area, I work with clients who have suffered injuries on someone else’s property, helping them understand the intricacies of holding property owners accountable. Premises liability is a crucial area of law, as it holds property owners responsible for making sure their premises are reasonably safe. 

Here, I’ll break down what premises liability is, the types of incidents it covers, and how a lawyer like me can help if you find yourself injured on someone else’s property. If you reside in Portland, Oregon, and want to connect, reach out to me at Lyndon Ruhnke, P.C. today.

Defining Premises Liability

Premises liability is a personal injury legal concept that requires property owners to maintain safe conditions to prevent harm to others. Under Oregon law, property owners have a duty to verify that their spaces are free from hazards that could potentially injure those who enter. 

Whether it’s a grocery store, a private home, or a public park, this responsibility applies to various types of properties. 

However, premises liability cases aren’t always straightforward. To hold a property owner accountable, you typically need to prove three things: that the property owner owed you a duty of care, that they breached this duty, and that this breach directly caused your injury. 

This is where legal assistance becomes essential, as proving negligence can be challenging without a clear understanding of Oregon’s premises liability laws and personal injury implications.

Common Premises Liability Cases

In personal injury law, premises liability covers a broad range of incidents, each with its own set of rules and legal considerations. Here are some of the most common types of premises liability cases I handle as a Portland attorney:

• Slip-and-fall accidents: These are some of the most common premises liability claims. They can occur on slippery floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces. Oregon property owners are expected to address or clearly mark hazards like spills, broken tiles, or icy patches to prevent falls.

• Dog bites and animal attacks: If you’re bitten or injured by an animal on someone else’s property, the property owner or pet owner may be held liable. Oregon law has specific rules regarding dog bites, including the "one-bite rule" in some cases, meaning a pet owner may not be liable for the first incident if they had no reason to believe the animal was dangerous.

• Inadequate security: In certain cases, property owners are required to provide adequate security measures, especially in high-risk areas like parking garages or apartment complexes. If someone is assaulted or harmed on such a property due to a lack of security, they may have a premises liability claim.

• Poor lighting: Poor lighting can create a hazardous environment by making it difficult to see potential dangers. This issue is often linked to falls, but it can also contribute to other incidents, like assaults, if it’s in a high-crime area.

• Swimming pool accidents: Pool owners are required to follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents, especially when children are involved. Fencing, signage, and supervision are often legally required to minimize drowning risks.

• Falling objects: Falling merchandise or improperly secured objects, like tools or fixtures, can pose a serious danger. Property owners are expected to secure objects and regularly inspect areas to prevent these types of accidents.

• Toxic exposure: Hazardous materials such as asbestos, mold, or toxic chemicals can pose serious health risks. Property owners must address any toxic exposure risks and verify that buildings are safe for visitors.

Each of these cases has unique elements, and working with an experienced attorney can help clarify the specifics of your situation.

How Premises Liability Works in Oregon

In Oregon personal injury law, premises liability takes into account the relationship between the property owner and the injured person. Generally, visitors to a property fall into one of three categories: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Invitees are people invited onto a property for business purposes, like customers in a store. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care, meaning they must inspect and maintain the property to assure them it’s safe.

Licensees are individuals who enter the property for social reasons or with the owner’s permission. Property owners must warn licensees of any known hazards but aren’t necessarily required to actively inspect for dangers.

Trespassers are people who enter a property without permission. In Oregon, property owners generally owe the least duty of care to trespassers, though there are exceptions, particularly when children are involved.

Understanding how these categories apply to your personal injury case is essential for building a premises liability claim, and it’s one of the first things I discuss with my clients.

Why You Need a Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability cases can be complicated, involving everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. Here’s how I can help:

• Gathering evidence: To prove negligence, you’ll need solid evidence showing that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it. I work closely with investigators to collect photos, video footage, maintenance records, and witness statements to strengthen your case.

• Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but I know the tactics they use. I negotiate on your behalf, making sure that they treat your claim seriously and offer a fair settlement.

• Evaluating damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are just a few of the damages you might be entitled to after an injury. I help calculate the full extent of your damages so that you receive what you need to recover and move forward.

• Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If negotiations with the insurance company aren’t successful, I’m prepared to take your case to court. With my experience in Oregon premises liability and personal injury law, I’ll advocate for your rights and present a compelling case to a judge or jury.

What to Do If You’re Injured on Someone Else’s Property

If you’re injured on someone else’s property, there are a few key steps you should take to protect your rights:

• Seek medical attention: Your health is the priority. Seeing a doctor not only prioritizes treating you properly but also documents your injuries, which is crucial for your case.

• Report the incident: Notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible. Request a written report if you’re in a commercial setting, as this can serve as valuable evidence.

• Document the scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the area where you were injured, including any hazards that contributed to the incident. Collect witness information, as their statements can support your claim.

• Consult a lawyer: Premises liability cases have specific deadlines and legal requirements. Consulting with a lawyer early on helps protect your rights and gives you the best chance at a successful outcome.

How I Approach Premises Liability Cases

My priority is always my clients’ well-being and recovery. Premises liability cases can be intimidating, but my goal is to provide straightforward guidance and representation. I take pride in building strong cases that help my clients move forward without financial strain. 

In each case, I bring my in-depth understanding of Oregon’s premises liability laws and my experience advocating for injured clients to provide the support and counsel they need.