Virginia Premises Liability Attorneys

When most people visit a private residence or a public space like a business, they expect it to be reasonably safe. This expectation is legally protected in Richmond and throughout Virginia. Property owners—whether of private, public, or commercial spaces—have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises. When they fail to do so, individuals can suffer injuries. While some incidents are minor, others may be catastrophic and life-changing.

If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, contact the experienced premises liability attorneys at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci today for a free case consultation. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries.

Types of Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims arise when a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions or properly warn of known dangers. Common claim types include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Occur frequently in parking lots, stores, restaurants, hotels, and more, due to wet floors, ice, spills, leaks, faulty railings, or tripping hazards.
• Falling Object Accidents: Often involve merchandise falling from shelves or objects at construction sites.
• Maintenance Failures: Unsafe equipment or fixtures such as elevators, pools, or electrical systems due to lack of upkeep.
• Insufficient Security: Injuries from criminal acts due to lack of proper lighting, cameras, or staff in parking areas, hotels, and public venues.
• Elevator & Escalator Accidents: Often due to design flaws or poor maintenance.
• Recreation Area Accidents: Unsafe amusement parks, ski areas, or rental facilities stemming from poor maintenance or unsafe conditions.
• Drowning & Pool Accidents: Frequently caused by lack of fencing or failure to restrict child access to swimming pools.
• Dog Bites: Result from failure to restrain a known dangerous animal or warn visitors.
• Unsafe Structures: Collapsing balconies, staircases, decks, or porches due to negligent construction or failure to repair.
• Fires, Electrocution & Toxic Exposure: Caused by inadequate safety equipment, improper containment, or lack of maintenance.

Common Premises Liability Injuries

Injuries from these accidents are often severe. Frequent types include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Strains and sprains
• Lacerations and puncture wounds
• Severe internal bleeding or bruising
• Organ damage
• Severe burns
• Limb loss
• Respiratory issues

Why You Need a Knowledgeable Attorney

Premises liability cases are complex and require strategic, skilled representation. Victims may face medical debt, job loss, or long-term disability. Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci has a proven track record of securing the compensation our clients need to move forward.

We work on a contingency basis—meaning we don’t get paid unless you do.

Property Owners’ Legal Obligations

Duty of Care

Property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors. Failing to do so constitutes negligence.

Breach of Duty

When a known danger is not addressed or communicated, and injury occurs, the owner may be held legally liable.

Establishing Negligence

To prove negligence, you must demonstrate:

• The owner had a duty of care
• They breached that duty
• The breach directly caused your injuries

Important Exceptions

Owners are generally not responsible for:

• Obvious hazards
• Criminal acts of unrelated third parties

Victim Classification Under Virginia Law

• Invitees: Individuals invited to enter the property (e.g., shoppers, guests, hotel patrons).
• Licensees: Individuals with permission to enter, typically for personal reasons (e.g., salespeople, social visitors).
• Trespassers: No legal right to be on the property. Owners generally owe no duty of care, except to avoid willful harm or protect children from “attractive nuisances.”

Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Laws

Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If a victim is found even 1% at fault, they may be barred from recovery. Most states follow a more forgiving comparative negligence system. This harsh rule makes skilled legal representation critical in premises liability cases.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve suffered due to a property owner’s negligence, you may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation
• Future medical needs
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium

In egregious cases involving willful misconduct, you may also be eligible for punitive damages.

If your loved one died due to unsafe premises, you may file a wrongful death claim.

Statute of Limitations in Virginia

You have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Prompt action is critical to preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and protect your rights.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?

We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case.

Your Richmond Premises Liability Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured on unsafe property, contact Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci for a free consultation. We serve clients across Virginia with decades of experience in complex personal injury litigation.

Our legal team has successfully fought major corporations, insurance companies, and negligent individuals. We’re committed to your case, your recovery, and your future.