Norfolk Premises Liability Lawyer
- Last Updated: 13 Mar. 2025
When you’re out shopping or dining in Norfolk, you reasonably expect businesses to provide a safe environment that is free of hazards. Unfortunately, accidents happen more than you may think due to business owners’ failure to maintain their properties and address dangerous conditions. When serious injuries occur as a result, victims are left to deal with the aftermath.
If you’re hurt in a store, restaurant, hotel, or other business, the property owner may be liable for your financial losses and suffering. The skilled Norfolk premises liability lawyers at our leading personal injury law firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (757) 333-3333 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
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Why Choose Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers for Your Case?
Premises liability claims are complex, often involving multiple parties and big insurance companies eager to minimize the value of your claim. With over 120 years of combined experience, our Norfolk premises liability attorneys have the skills needed to maximize your financial recovery.
When you work with our legal team, we handle every aspect of your premises liability case, including:
- Collecting evidence, such as surveillance video and property maintenance records.
- Gathering witness statements to support your case.
- Establishing negligence to prove liability for your injuries and losses.
- Calculating the full value of your damages.
- Negotiating with defendants and insurers to reach a fair settlement.
- Taking your case to court if a fair settlement is not reached.
Using our deep knowledge of Virginia premises liability law, we will meticulously prepare your case to put you in the best position possible to receive a favorable settlement offer. If the opposing parties do not offer a fair settlement, our team is ready to defend your rights in court. No matter the circumstances, we have the resources and experience needed to take on powerful defendants and their insurers on your behalf.
Record-Setting Results With No Upfront Fees
Over the years, we have developed a strong reputation as a top personal injury law firm in Virginia. In part, this is due to our track record of securing high-value case results for our clients, including:
- $6 million for a client who suffered a paralyzing injury in a fall.
Because we operate on a contingency basis, there are no upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses to work with our team. We only get paid if we win your case. Schedule your free consultation with our Norfolk premises liability lawyers today to learn about your legal rights and options at no cost to you.
What Our Norfolk Clients Say:
Our Norfolk personal injury attorneys are proud to provide award-winning legal representation to injury victims in our community. Our team is widely recognized for our exceptional, client-centric legal services. Learn more by exploring our glowing client testimonials:
What Is Premises Liability?
Generally speaking, personal injury defendants may be held liable if you prove that their failure to take reasonable care caused you to suffer compensable damages. Premises liability law covers the specific legal duty of care that property owners owe to visitors. See Franconia Associates v. Clark, 250 Va. 444 (Va. 1995). The level of care owed depends on the legal status of visitors at the time they were injured:
- Invitee – If you entered a property with express or implied invitation, you are considered an invitee. This includes customers at a business establishment. Invitees are owed the highest legal duty of care from property owners.
- Licensee – If you are given permission to enter but were not invited onto a property, you are considered a licensee. Licensees are owed the second highest duty of care.
- Trespasser – Trespassers enter properties illegally (without invitation or permission). Virginia property owners owe a minimal duty of care to trespassers. In general, they need only refrain from intentionally harming them, though exceptions may apply in cases involving minor trespassers.
When a property owner does not keep their premises reasonably safe, people can suffer serious injuries. Common locations that give rise to premises liability claims include hotels, stores, restaurants, amusement parks, office buildings, and private properties. No matter the circumstances of your case, we are ready to help you navigate the governing law.
Who May Be Liable In a Norfolk Premises Liability Case?
While property owners are most often liable for injuries sustained on their premises, other parties may also be responsible. Liable parties in Norfolk premises liability cases may include:
- Property owners
- Business owners
- Management companies
- Maintenance companies
- Security companies
- Dog or pet owners
- Tenants
Common Causes of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability claims include any case in which an individual was injured on another person’s property. They are as diverse as the properties on which they arise. Common causes of premises liability cases include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trip hazards (e.g., uneven floors, loose carpets)
- Wet or slippery floors
- Poor lighting
- Falling objects
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Inadequate security
- Unsafe stairs or railings
- Faulty elevators or escalators
- Dog bites or animal attacks
ASK THE EXPERTS
Bill O’Mara, Partner at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
“These are injuries that happen while you’re at stores, hotels, restaurants. Those establishments have a duty to take reasonable precautions to keep you safe or to warn you of dangerous conditions. They’re very challenging cases, especially here in Virginia. Virginia has some very difficult laws that make it very difficult for the injured person to win against the establishment. They’re very protective of the businesses, and there are very limited circumstances in which you can recover against that establishment. If you’ve been hurt at a place like that, I’d encourage you to reach out to us.”
Damages Available After an Accident at a Norfolk Business
If you were injured at a Norfolk business due to the property owner’s carelessness, our Norfolk premises liability attorneys can help you recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent the financial losses you sustained in the accident. Non-economic damages cover the more subjective aspects of your injuries and losses. Together, they cover things like:
- Medical bills
- Cost of future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earnings capacity
- Related out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and disability
At Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers, plaintiff’s personal injury law is all we do. We never represent insurance How much your case is worth will depend largely on the severity of your injuries and how they impact your life. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, serious burns, and electrocution, typically result in more extensive economic and non-economic losses.
Working with our experienced premises liability attorneys can help maximize the value of your claim. We will conduct a thorough investigation of your accident to build the strongest claim possible on your behalf.
How Long Do You Have To File a Premises Liability Claim?
In most premises liability claims, the Virginia personal injury statute of limitations sets a deadline of two years from the date of the accident to file. Subject to limited exceptions, if you do not file your lawsuit within that time frame, you will lose your chance to recover damages.
After an accident on another person’s property, consult our Norfolk premises liability attorneys as soon as possible to see if you qualify to file a claim. Consulting with an attorney early on is the best way to protect your legal right to compensation from the at-fault parties in your case.
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Trust the Team at Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers
Handling a premises liability case on your own can be difficult. If you or a loved one were injured on another person’s property, our legal team can help you file a claim seeking compensation. While you focus on recovering from your injuries, we will leverage our deep legal knowledge and extensive resources to protect your right to compensation.
Contact us online or call (757) 333-3333 to schedule your free consultation. We are standing by to answer your questions and make sure you understand your full legal rights and options at no cost to you.
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