Most people only rarely consider whether residential home owners or businesses are keeping their property safe for other people by making necessary repairs and completing routine maintenance. Typically, another person’s property obligations are not considered until an issue arises, such as a business owner failing to repair a hole in its parking lot that cannot be avoided when driving.
It is not uncommon for a property owner’s lack of action in maintaining their property to have a more significant impact than just vehicle alignment concerns.
If you or your loved one has been injured because a property owner was reckless or negligent in maintaining their property, consult with a Cumberland County premises liability lawyer to learn about your legal options. A skilled personal injury lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.
Premises Liability Legal Theories
Premises liability is the legal theory that makes a property owner responsible for the injuries of people with a lawful right to be on that property when the injury is the result of an unsafe or defective condition. Property owners are responsible for warning guests of danger that are known and that should have been discovered, and for making necessary repairs.
This duty obligates a property owner to inspect their property in order to remain knowledgeable about potential defects. Property owners that fail to meet their legal duty can be liable for injuries sustained. Premises liability cases include slip and falls in businesses that are open to the public and construction accidents, among others. They may occur because employees failed to inspect the store as required to become aware of spilled liquids, a business owner failed to repair reported maintenance issues, or a property owner failed to post signs warning of known unsafe conditions.
A Cumberland County premises liability lawyer can work with individuals to attempt to establish the property owner’s liability.
Duty of Care
A property owner’s legal responsibility for maintaining their property is the duty of care associated with ownership. The actual duty to another person can change based on their relationship with those entering their property. The duty of care for invitees, which are people that are invited either expressly or implicitly, is the highest. The most common implied invitation is a person entering a retail or grocery store during business hours. The property owner has a duty to inspect the property to ensure that it is reasonably safe for invitees. Additionally, the property owner is liable for discoverable hazards and has a duty to notify visitors of unsafe conditions.
The duty of care for a licensee is less than the duty to an invitee. A licensee is a person that enters the property for their own purposes, with a semi-implied invitation. Postal delivery employees and public utility employees are common examples of licensees. A property owner’s duty to a licensee is to correct defects in the property that the property owner was or should have been aware had an unreasonable risk of harm and to warn guests of known defects if they are not obvious.
Conversely, a property owner’s duty to a trespasser is only that they not purposefully injure the trespasser. In New Jersey, property owners are obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure that their property is safe from dangerous conditions. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for injuries sustained from their inaction. Although that seems like a simple concept, the process of determining a visitor’s status and the corresponding duty based on that status can be difficult. Determining who the property owner is can also be a challenge.
How a Premises Liability Attorney Can Help
If you believe that you have a premises liability claim, contact a Cumberland County premises liability lawyer to have your case evaluated. A determined personal injury lawyer can work diligently to build your case. Your attorney can devote the time and resources necessary to build a solid case for you.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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