Why Choose Us?
At Horn Injury Law, we know that proving a property owner’s negligence is complex. Eric L. Horn uses over 25 years of experience to investigate unsafe conditions, build strong cases, and fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
Why clients choose us:
- Over 25 years of proven injury law experience in NJ and NY
- Free consultations and no legal fees unless we win
- Direct communication and personalized attention
- Strong record of settlements and verdicts for injury victims
- Dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims across both states
Understanding Premises Liability in NJ & NY
Premises liability law allows injury victims to recover damages when a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions. To succeed, the injured person must show that the owner or occupier was negligent in caring for the property and that this negligence directly caused the injury.
Because each case depends on the facts and the visitor’s legal status, having a knowledgeable attorney is essential. Horn Injury Law helps clients in New Jersey and New York navigate complex liability laws and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
What Types of Premises Liability Cases Do We Handle?
Premises liability claims can arise from many unsafe conditions and accidents, including:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Inadequate property maintenance
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Playground injuries
- Negligent or inadequate security
Simply being injured on someone’s property does not automatically mean the owner was negligent. It must be proven that the property owner knew, or should have known, about the hazard, failed to correct it, and that this failure caused the injury.
Understanding the Property Owner’s Duty of Care
A central issue in any premises liability claim is the duty of care owed by the property owner. This duty varies depending on state law and the visitor’s status.
In New Jersey and New York, property owners must generally exercise reasonable care to maintain safe conditions for lawful visitors. However, the level of care differs for each type of visitor:
- Invitees: Individuals who have the owner’s permission to enter the property, such as customers or guests. Owners must use reasonable care to keep the property safe.
- Licensees: People who enter for their own purpose, such as salespeople or social guests. Owners must warn them of hidden dangers they know about.
- Trespassers: Those without permission to enter. In most cases, owners owe no duty, but they must take reasonable steps to prevent harm to child trespassers from dangerous conditions like swimming pools.
Horn Injury Law evaluates your visitor status and the property conditions to determine the strongest legal path for your claim.
Common Examples of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability claims often involve preventable hazards, such as:
- Slipping on wet floors or ice
- Tripping on uneven pavement, ripped carpet, or broken stairs
- Falling due to poor lighting or missing handrails
- Accidents caused by unmaintained sidewalks or entryways
- Assaults or robberies due to negligent security in hotels, apartments, or parking lots
In private property cases, claims are typically filed through the property owner’s insurance. If the accident occurred on public property, a notice of claim must be filed with the appropriate government agency before a lawsuit can proceed. These cases have strict deadlines, so early legal action is critical.
How Horn Injury Law Builds Your Premises Liability Case
We conduct a detailed investigation to prove negligence and document your losses. Our process includes:
- Visiting and photographing the accident site
- Interviewing witnesses and reviewing maintenance records
- Gathering surveillance footage and incident reports
- Consulting with medical and safety experts
- Establishing a direct link between the hazard and your injury
Our attorneys handle every stage of the claim so you can focus on recovery while we pursue full compensation.
Contact Our New Jersey and New York Premises Liability Lawyers
If you were injured because of unsafe property conditions in New Jersey or New York, Horn Injury Law is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling complex premises liability claims and recovering fair compensation for injured clients. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn your legal options.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a premises liability claim?
You generally have two years in New Jersey and three years in New York to file a claim. For accidents on public property, special notice deadlines may apply.
What if the property owner fixed the hazard after my accident?
You can still file a claim if you can show that the unsafe condition existed when you were injured. Prompt documentation helps protect your case.
What damages can I recover in a premises liability case?
You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other related expenses.