Las Vegas Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Laws in Las Vegas

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners have to maintain a safe environment for visitors. Accidents can happen in many ways, from slip-and-fall incidents to more severe injuries caused by unsafe structures or negligent security. Property owners must ensure that visitors do not face hazards that could cause harm. When they fail in this duty, injured individuals have the right to pursue a claim for damages.

Premises liability cases in Las Vegas often involve dangerous conditions like wet floors, broken stairs, poorly maintained elevators, or unsecured objects. Some cases involve negligent security, where assaults or violent acts occur because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors. Our goal is to examine every detail of your case and identify all possible avenues for recovery.

Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents

Premises liability covers a wide range of injuries. Understanding the types of accidents that commonly occur can help victims recognize when they have a valid claim.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common types of premises liability cases. Even minor falls can lead to serious consequences such as broken bones, torn ligaments, or traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Falls can happen anywhere, from grocery stores and casinos to hotel lobbies and parking lots. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among adults over 65, but younger individuals can also face life-changing consequences.

Negligent Casino Conditions

Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors to its casinos every year, and these establishments have a duty to maintain a safe environment. Accidents can happen due to slippery floors, defective elevators or escalators, faulty staircases, loose carpeting, poor lighting, or falling merchandise. Negligent security in casinos can also lead to assaults or other injuries. Many cases involve hazards that the property owner knew about or should have known about but failed to fix.

Restaurants and Nightclubs

Bars, clubs, and nightclubs can be locations for serious injuries. Large crowds, insufficient security, wet floors, broken furniture, or fire hazards can all contribute to accidents. Assaults by other patrons or poorly trained security personnel also fall under premises liability if the establishment did not take reasonable steps to prevent them.

Hotel Pools and Waterparks

Accidents at swimming pools or waterparks can have devastating consequences. Drowning, head injuries, or spinal cord trauma can occur in seconds. Property owners must ensure proper supervision, lifeguard training, and safety measures for all guests. Failure to provide adequate lifeguards, maintain equipment, or warn about potential hazards can make a property owner liable for injuries.

Negligent Security and Assault

Property owners cannot prevent all crimes, but they are responsible for taking reasonable measures to protect visitors from foreseeable dangers. This includes installing proper lighting, security cameras, alarm systems, and hiring trained security personnel. Failure to act in a way that protects visitors from reasonably foreseeable harm can result in a premises liability claim.

Standards of Care for Different Property Types

Not all properties are treated the same under the law. The duty a property owner owes depends on the reason a person is on the property.

Business Invitees

People who enter a business for the owner’s benefit, such as shoppers in a store, are considered invitees. Business owners must inspect their property regularly, fix hazards quickly, and warn visitors of potential dangers. Customers cannot be expected to notice all hazards, so the responsibility lies with the owner to keep the property safe.

Licensees or Mutual Benefit Visitors

Visitors who enter the property for mutual benefit, such as a friend coming over for dinner, are called licensees. Property owners must warn them about hazards or fix them if necessary. Licensees are expected to recognize obvious dangers, but owners still have a duty to address risks that may not be apparent.

Trespassers

Trespassers are owed the least protection, but property owners cannot intentionally harm them or create traps. There is an exception for children under the attractive nuisance rule. Dangerous objects or areas such as pools, firearms, or machinery must be secured to prevent injuries to children who may be attracted to them.

Elements of a Premises Liability Claim

To have a successful premises liability claim, the injured person must prove certain elements.

Presence on the Property

The victim must show they were legally on the property at the time of the accident, whether as an invitee, licensee, or under other legal circumstances.

Dangerous Condition

There must be a hazardous condition or unsafe aspect of the property that contributed to the injury. Examples include wet floors, broken stairs, defective elevators, or insufficient security.

Causation of Injury

The victim must show that the dangerous condition directly caused their injuries. Evidence of how the accident occurred and its impact on the victim is essential.

Damages

The victim must show that they suffered damages as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and costs associated with long-term care or disability.

Property Owner’s Negligence

Finally, it must be demonstrated that the property owner failed to meet their duty to maintain a safe environment or warn visitors of potential dangers. Proof that the owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard and did not act in a timely or appropriate manner is crucial.

Recent Changes in Nevada Premises Liability Law

Nevada law continues to evolve, allowing more victims to seek compensation for injuries on another person’s property. Recent case law, including decisions that clarify property owner responsibilities even for open and obvious dangers, strengthens the rights of injured parties. Courts now allow juries to weigh the actions of both property owners and injured victims to determine accountability and damages. These legal developments have expanded the opportunities for victims to hold negligent owners responsible for preventable accidents.

Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Las Vegas

Filing a premises liability claim involves several steps. The first is gathering evidence to show that a dangerous condition existed and that the property owner was responsible. This may include photographs of the hazard, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.

The claim also involves proving the extent of damages and showing how the property owner’s negligence directly caused the injury. Our attorneys handle the legal process, including filing paperwork, communicating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial if necessary. Most claims settle, but we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to maximize compensation for our clients.

Statute of Limitations in Nevada

In Nevada, injured parties typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a premises liability claim. Missing this deadline can result in the case being dismissed. Our team ensures all paperwork is filed correctly and within the legal time frame, protecting your right to pursue compensation.

Why Work With Our Las Vegas Premises Liability Lawyers

We provide hands-on support for every client. We evaluate the property type, hazard, and injury to determine the strongest way to pursue a claim. Our experience in handling complex personal injury cases allows us to uncover all potential sources of liability and fight for maximum compensation.

We have helped clients recover millions in damages, including cases involving serious brain injuries, spinal injuries, wrongful death, and other catastrophic accidents. By handling the legal work and representing your interests, we allow you to focus on recovery while we pursue justice on your behalf.

Common Questions About Premises Liability Cases

How do I know if I have a claim?

You may have a claim if you were injured on someone else’s property due to a hazardous condition or negligent security. Proof of the property owner’s responsibility and your resulting damages is necessary to move forward.

What types of accidents qualify as premises liability?

Common examples include slip and fall injuries, dog bites, swimming pool accidents, elevator or escalator accidents, defective construction, water leaks, fires, and assaults due to negligent security.

Who is responsible for my injuries?

The property owner is responsible if they failed to maintain a safe environment, repair known hazards, or warn visitors of potential dangers. Liability may also extend to other parties, such as property managers or security providers.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Acting promptly is critical to ensure evidence is preserved and your claim is protected.

What compensation can I recover?

Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Severe injuries may require ongoing support, making full compensation essential.

Contact Our Las Vegas Premises Liability Attorneys Today

If you have been injured on unsafe property, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about your options. Our team can assess the details of your accident, gather evidence, and help you understand your chances of recovery.

Call Friedman Injury Law at (702) 970-4222 to schedule a free consultation. We handle all aspects of your case and only charge fees if we win, so you can focus on recovery while we pursue justice on your behalf.

We fight for victims of slip-and-fall accidents, negligent security, hotel and casino accidents, restaurant injuries, and pool or waterpark incidents. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.