Roanoke Premises Liability Lawyers

Helping Our Clients Obtain Needed Compensation Since 1979

When you visit someone’s home or business, you expect to feel reasonably safe while there. Unfortunately, there are some instances where your safety is put in jeopardy because someone did not exercise reasonable caution or care. If you were injured because of a property owner’s negligence, let the Roanoke premises liability lawyers at Kalfus & Nachman PC help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.

Types of claims our firm handles include:

• Slip and fall accidents (e.g., on wet floors or icy sidewalks)
• Falling objects (e.g., poorly secured shelves)
• Negligent security (leading to assault or theft)
• Dog bites (though these follow additional animal liability rules)
• Drowning and swimming pool accidents

Call (855) 880-8163 now or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and begin planning your case with our Roanoke premises liability attorneys.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners (or occupiers) responsible when someone is injured due to unsafe or hazardous conditions on their property. It falls under personal injury law and is based on the idea that owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for lawful visitors.

Virginia law recognizes three categories of visitors, and the duties owed by a property owner vary depending on the visitor's classification:

• Invitees: These are people invited onto the property for a business purpose (e.g., customers in a store). Property owners must use reasonable care to maintain the premises and warn of or fix known dangers. They must also conduct reasonable inspections to discover hidden hazards.
• Licensees: These are social guests or others who are on the property with permission, but not for business purposes. The owner must warn licensees of known dangers that are not obvious, but has no duty to inspect for hidden hazards.
• Trespassers: These are individuals who enter the property without permission. The only obligation is to refrain from willful or wanton harm. There’s generally no duty to make the property safe for trespassers. Keep in mind that Virginia does follow the attractive nuisance doctrine to a limited extent. This means a property owner may be liable if a child is injured by a dangerous condition (like a pool or machinery) that would be attractive and accessible to children.

To succeed in a premises liability lawsuit in Virginia, the injured party must prove:

1. Duty – The property owner owed a duty of care based on the visitor’s status.
2. Breach – The owner failed to fulfill that duty (e.g., didn't fix a known hazard).
3. Causation – The breach directly caused the injury.
4. Damages – The injured person suffered actual harm (e.g., medical bills, lost income).

Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Laws

In Virginia, the at-fault party must be 100 percent responsible for the injuries sustained by the victim, otherwise, the victim has no case. This means that when you bring a lawsuit against an insurer or property owner, their goal will be to blame you for even a small portion of the damages in order to avoid paying a settlement. These cases are difficult, which is why adequate planning and preparation is crucial to securing a favorable outcome for your case.

Kalfus & Nachman PC can help you prove that:

• The property owner ignored a hazard on their premises
• They could have reasonably fixed the hazard
• You were injured directly as a result

Premises Liability FAQs

Who can be held liable in a premises liability case in Roanoke?

Property owners, landlords, tenants, or business operators can all potentially be held liable if their negligence led to an injury. Liability depends on who had control over the property and failed to maintain safe conditions.

Can I sue a business for a slip and fall in Roanoke?

Yes, if the business failed to maintain safe conditions (e.g., wet floors, broken steps, or cluttered walkways) and you were injured as a result, you may have a valid premises liability claim.

How long do I have to file a premises liability lawsuit in Virginia?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit under Virginia’s statute of limitations. Waiting too long can result in losing your right to recover compensation.

What compensation can I recover in a premises liability case?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Future medical expenses

Should I speak with the property owner’s insurance company?

It’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster. Anything you say may be used to limit or deny your claim.

Do I need a lawyer for a premises liability claim in Roanoke?

While not required, having a local attorney who understands Virginia premises liability law can greatly improve your chances of securing fair compensation—especially since Virginia’s contributory negligence rule makes claims more challenging.

Choose Kalfus & Nachman PC

Since 1979, our clients have trusted us to represent their best interests and help them get the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. Unfortunately, insurance companies are known for going to great lengths to avoid paying a fair settlement. It is our job to fight aggressively and ensure you have an accurate assessment of the damages you suffered and a strong case to prove fault on the part of the property owner. Having handled thousands of cases, we understand what it takes to win. Let us help you fight for the money you need to recover.

Call (855) 880-8163 now to get started.