Montana Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises Liability Attorney In Montana

Accidents can happen anywhere, but when they occur on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions, the consequences can be severe. Property owners in Montana are responsible for ensuring their premises are safe and free of foreseeable dangers. When they fail to meet this obligation, victims can seek legal support from a Montana premises liability lawyer who can secure the compensation that they are owed.

Why Trust Bliven Law Firm, P.C.?

If you were injured on someone else’s property, you need the support of an injury law firm that gets results. The legal team at Bliven Law Firm, P.C., understands that serious injuries can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

We’re here to help. With decades of experience representing victims across the state, our Montana premises liability attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable. We bring decades of combined legal experience to the benefit of our clients.

Premises Liability in Montana: At a Glance

• Legal duty: Property owners and occupiers must maintain safe conditions and warn visitors of known hazards.
• Who is protected: Invitees (customers, guests, tenants) generally receive the highest duty of care, while uninvited individuals have limited protections.
• Filing deadline: Victims typically have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim (Mont. Code Ann. § 27-2-204).
• Comparative fault: You may recover damages even if partly at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Recoverable damages: Includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal duty to maintain their land, buildings, or other spaces in a safe condition. If a property owner fails to address hazardous conditions or adequately warn visitors of potential dangers, they can be held liable for injuries that occur on their premises.

Incidents stemming from premises liability can happen in a variety of locations, including private homes, businesses, rental properties, or public spaces. Whether it’s a grocery store with a spilled liquid on the floor or an apartment complex with broken stair railings, property owners have a responsibility to manage risks and protect visitors.

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., our slip-and-fall lawyers in Montana are well-versed in state laws governing premises liability. We can help you understand your legal rights and pursue a claim for compensation if you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability covers a wide range of incidents, including but not limited to the following:

Slip-and-Fall Accidents

One of the most common types of premises liability cases, slip-and-fall accidents occur when dangerous conditions like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces cause someone to lose their footing.

Snow and Ice Accidents

Montana’s harsh winters create unique hazards, such as black ice or snow-covered walkways. Property owners are required to clear these conditions in a reasonable timeframe to prevent accidents.

Negligent Security

When property owners fail to provide adequate lighting, security personnel, or functioning locks, their premises become vulnerable to crimes like assault or robbery.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their animals are properly restrained. If someone is bitten or attacked by a dog on private or public property, the owner may be held liable.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Unfenced or poorly maintained pools increase the risk of drowning or injuries, especially for children. Property owners must implement safety measures to prevent such incidents.

Unsafe Stairs or Railings

Worn or broken steps and handrails can cause trips, slips, and falls, often leading to severe injuries. Property owners are expected to ensure stairs and handrails are safe and secure.

Exposure to Toxic Substances

Hazards like asbestos, mold, or lead-based paint can cause long-term health issues. Property owners are responsible for identifying and correcting these dangers.

If any of these situations sound familiar, our team of premises liability lawyers in Montana is ready to provide the trusted counsel you need to seek justice and compensation.

Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents

Premises liability accidents range in severity, but even seemingly minor incidents can lead to serious or life-altering injuries. Some common injuries include:

• Broken bones and fractures: Falls from heights, slips, or trips often result in broken bones or dislocated joints.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Head injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents or falling objects can have long-term cognitive and physical effects.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damaged vertebrae or nerves can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even paralysis.
• Lacerations and scarring: Cuts or wounds sustained during an accident can lead to infection and permanent scarring.
• Burns: Fires, electrical hazards, or chemical exposure may leave victims with painful and disfiguring burns.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, which can add significant financial pressure on top of physical and emotional pain. That’s why it’s important to work with a knowledgeable Montana premises liability attorney who fights to secure the compensation you deserve.

Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Claims

To successfully pursue a premises liability claim in Montana, you must prove that the property owner’s negligence caused your injury. This involves establishing the following elements:

1. Duty of care: The property owner owed you a reasonable duty of care to maintain a safe environment.
2. Breach of duty: The property owner failed to fulfill that duty by not addressing dangerous conditions in a timely manner or providing adequate warnings.
3. Causation: The property owner’s negligence directly caused your injury.
4. Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering, as a result of the accident.

Our legal team conducts thorough investigations, collects evidence, consults with experts, and builds compelling cases on behalf of our clients to ensure their claims are as strong as possible.

Compensation Available for Premises Liability Victims

If you’ve been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Covers hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missed work and diminished earning capacity in the future
• Pain and suffering: Reflects the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident
• Property damage: Restitution for personal belongings damaged in the accident
• Wrongful death: If a loved one’s life was tragically lost, their family may recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.

The Bliven Law Firm, P.C., team assesses the full scope of your losses to seek maximum compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Why You Should Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer

At Bliven Law Firm, P.C., we understand the hardships that premises liability victims face. Our skilled attorneys are committed to providing the dedicated representation you need. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Decades of experience: We have extensive experience handling premises liability cases across Montana.
• Personalized attention: We work closely with every client to understand their needs and develop tailored legal strategies.
• Compassionate advocacy: We prioritize your well-being and handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
• Proven results: We’ve recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for clients injured by property owner negligence.

The decision to hire a premises liability lawyer can position you to receive the full compensation you are owed. A Montana premises liability attorney brings years of experience managing premises liability cases. They understand how to leverage Montana premises liability laws so the at-fault property owner is held accountable for the harm you endured.

What to Do After an Injury

If you suffered a premises liability injury, you are not alone. Roughly one in three Montanans aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year. Across the United States, more than 14 million adults over 65 (about one in four) report at least one fall annually, with nearly nine million resulting in injuries that require medical attention or limit activity.

If you’re injured on someone else’s property, your first priority should be to take immediate steps to protect your health and your legal rights. Start by seeking medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor, since some symptoms develop later. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request that they document it in writing.

Montana’s violent crime rate stands at about 4.869 per 1,000 residents each year. When landlords fail to provide adequate safety and lighting, anyone who becomes the victim of a crime can potentially hold the property owner accountable. Collect evidence by taking photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area, and gather contact information from any witnesses.

Whether you were injured in Downtown Bozeman, Missoula’s Hip Strip, or Downtown Billings (The Pub Station District), keep all medical records, receipts, and correspondence related to your injury. Often, the key is to find an attorney who can manage the injury claim with a focus on securing fair compensation for their client. Legal representation ensures that your filings are made within tight legal deadlines and are backed by compelling evidence.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, don’t face the aftermath alone. Bliven Law Firm, P.C., is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We will review your case, discuss your legal options, and help you take the first steps toward justice and recovery. Your safety matters, and so does your voice. Trust Bliven Law Firm, P.C., to stand by your side every step of the way.