Getting injured on another person's property is often seen as an unfortunate accident. However, some cases are more than just unlucky occurrences. So, if you assess the situation leading to the accident and feel that the property owner deliberately put you in harm's way, you are allowed to sue them for the injury. That said, premise liability claims are more complex than regular injury claims. Hence, it is best to hire a personal injury lawyer to help you follow the right steps for maximum compensation. Here are some tips to simplify the process.

Assessing Events Surrounding the Incident

Your first step following your injury should include assessing what led to the accident. First, speak to a lawyer about your injury and when and where it happened. This way, they will help you determine whether it is worth investigating and pursuing. To do this, your lawyer might interrogate everyone involved to find out whether the owner knew of the hazard's existence and what they did to prevent injuries from it. If the owner knew and didn't do anything about it, the legal advisor will inform you that you have grounds to sue the negligent party.

When the Owner Did Something About the Hazard

The owners of premises have a duty of care to those who visit their space. More importantly, they should ensure the spaces are safe for everyone using them. Therefore, your lawyer might want to know if the building owner took steps to warn you about the problem or informed you about fixing it. If they failed to do this, you have a right to hold them accountable for their recklessness. In some cases, you can still sue them if the lawyer feels that their actions weren't sufficient to put you out of harm's way.

If You Trespassed

You should also know that this liability does not protect anyone that accesses another person's property without permission. As such, this means you aren't allowed to pursue compensation following an injury that occurred while trespassing. For example, you will not be compensated if you break into someone's office and then slip, fall, and sustain an injury. Therefore, your lawyer will first ask whether you were on the property legally when the accident happened. However, other circumstances could qualify your claim even when it is proven that you were trespassing. For example, if you broke your foot on a step that should have been appropriately maintained, you can pursue a claim. 

The personal injury lawyer should be the first person you call when you get injured on another person's property. This is because they understand liabilities and can help you build a case that will lead to suitable compensation.

For more info, contact a local personal injury lawyer.