Halifax Premises Liability Lawyers Helping the Injured Secure Compensation

Fighting for Justice in Premises Liability Cases in Nova Scotia

Property owners have a legal duty to keep their guests safe. If a property owner fails to keep a guest safe, they could be held liable for their guest’s injuries under Halifax’s premises liability laws.

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence on their property. Don’t face the challenge of recovering compensation on your own. Focus on fully recovering from your injuries while our premises liability lawyers handle your claim.

Our personal injury lawyers at McKiggan Hebert are committed to helping you fight for your deserved compensation. Call (902) 706-2298 now to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.

How Do Premises Liability Claims Work?

The party in control of a property has a duty of care and is responsible for maintaining it safely. This may include the property owner, landlord, tenant, or occupant. If one of these parties fails to maintain safe conditions on the property, they can be held liable if someone is injured due to a hazardous condition caused by a property owner’s negligence.

If this happens, the law allows you to file a claim against the at-fault party to recover compensation for your injuries. As a victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your non-MSI covered medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, loss of capacity to maintain your home and property, pain and suffering, and more.

Unfortunately, recovering compensation is difficult, primarily if an experienced premises liability lawyer does not represent you. That’s why it’s best to contact our premises liability lawyers for help.

Over the years, we’ve helped countless clients take legal action against a property owner’s negligence to secure the compensation they deserve for their injuries. We know what it takes to win these complex cases—let us prove it to you.

What Are the Most Common Premises Liability Claims?

Many hazardous conditions are considered negligent and can be found on public and private properties in Halifax. If you are injured due to one of these potential hazards, you may have the right to file a premises liability claim against the party that controls the property.

Many premises liability claims involve:

Trip and Falls – Trip and fall accidents can happen when obstacles or uneven surfaces cause a person to lose balance. Injuries from these incidents often result in serious harm, and seeking legal help is essential to pursue a claim.
Slip and Falls – Slip and fall accidents occur when hazardous conditions, such as wet or slippery floors, cause a person to lose their footing. Victims may be entitled to compensation for injuries caused by a property owner’s negligence.
Inadequate Lighting – Poor lighting in public or private spaces can lead to accidents, as individuals may not see hazards in their path. Legal action may be necessary when inadequate lighting causes harm, especially in areas like parking lots or stairways.
Faulty Walkways, Stairs, Elevators, and Escalators – Defective walkways, stairs, elevators, or escalators can result in serious accidents. Property owners must maintain these areas, and those injured due to their neglect may have grounds for a legal claim.
Negligence by Store Owners, Shopkeepers, or Apartment Landlords – Accidents can happen when store owners, shopkeepers, or apartment landlords fail to maintain their properties. Victims of accidents caused by their negligence can pursue legal action for compensation.
Fires – Fire-related accidents often lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. If a fire is caused by unsafe conditions or negligence, victims may be entitled to damages for medical costs, pain, and suffering.
Dog Bites – Dog bites can cause significant physical and emotional injuries. The owner may be held responsible for the attack, and victims can seek legal assistance to recover compensation for medical bills and damages.
Poor Security in Parking Lots, Shopping Malls, and Restaurants – Lack of adequate security in parking lots, malls, or restaurants can lead to preventable injuries or criminal activity. Victims of such incidents may be able to hold property owners accountable for their failure to provide proper safety measures.
Ice or Snow Accumulation – Ice and snow accumulation on walkways, driveways, or parking lots can create dangerous conditions. Property owners are required to remove these hazards promptly. Victims of slip and fall accidents can pursue legal remedies.
Exposure to Harmful Fumes or Substances – Exposure to toxic fumes or substances can cause long-term health problems. If unsafe conditions lead to such exposure, individuals may have a legal right to seek compensation for their injuries.
Defective Railings and Decks – Broken or unstable railings and decks can lead to serious falls and injuries. Property owners are responsible for maintaining these structures, and failure to do so may result in a legal claim for damages.
Falling Objects – Objects falling from shelves, windows, or elevated areas can cause severe injuries. If an object falls due to a property owner’s negligence, the injured party may be entitled to compensation through legal action.
Uneven Carpeting – Uneven carpeting in public or private spaces presents a serious tripping hazard. Those injured due to improperly maintained carpets may be able to file a personal injury claim against the party responsible.
Uneven Pavement – Uneven pavement creates a tripping hazard on sidewalks or walkways. Injuries resulting from these conditions can lead to legal claims for compensation if the property owner fails to make necessary repairs.
Substandard Window Panes – Faulty or poorly maintained windows can cause accidents if they break unexpectedly. Victims injured by shattered glass or falling windows may have a right to pursue compensation for their injuries.
Nails, Broken Glass, or Sharp Objects – Nails, broken glass, and sharp objects on a property can lead to serious injuries. Property owners must maintain a safe environment, and those injured by neglectful conditions may be entitled to compensation.
Swimming Pool Accidents – Swimming pool accidents can result in drownings or serious injuries. Poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or a lack of supervision can make property owners or managers liable for accidents at their pools.
Accidents in Amusement Parks or Cruise Ships – Amusement park rides or cruise ship activities can sometimes result in accidents due to mechanical failure or operator negligence. Victims of such incidents may have legal options to seek compensation for their injuries.

Accidents can occur on any property, including malls, parks, hotels, schools, restaurants, apartment buildings, and private homes. If you have been injured due to a dangerous hazard on someone else’s property, discuss your personal injury cases with a premises liability lawyer at McKiggan Hebert Lawyers right away.

How Can You Hold A Property Owner Liable in A Premises Liability Claim?

You cannot win compensation in premises liability claims unless you prove the property owner is liable. In other words, you must show the property owner’s negligence and that you were injured due to their negligence.

Here are the key elements you will need to prove to establish liability and win compensation for your injuries:

There was a dangerous condition on the defendant’s property.
The defendant created, knew, or should have known about the dangerous condition affecting their property.
The defendant did not warn you about the dangerous condition or take the necessary steps to fix the hazardous condition.
You were injured due to the dangerous condition on the defendant’s property.
You suffered damages as a result of your injuries.

You cannot prove these elements without evidence. Let our lawyers investigate the accident to gather the evidence we need to support your claim.

What Types of Evidence Can Strengthen A Premises Liability Claim?

Photographs: Clear, time-stamped photos of the dangerous conditions during the accident can provide robust visual evidence. These images can show the presence of hazards such as wet floors, uneven pavement, or broken railings, helping to establish the property owner’s negligence.
Incident reports: There may be an official incident report if the accident occurred at a business or public property. This report often documents what happened, when and where it occurred, and any initial observations by staff. It serves as an early record of the accident and can support your claim by verifying key details.
Medical records: Medical records link your injuries directly to the accident and demonstrate the severity of your condition. Detailed documentation from doctors, emergency rooms, or physiotherapists can strengthen your claim by showing the extent of your injuries and the treatment required.
Witness statements: Statements from people who saw the accident can corroborate your version of events. Witnesses can also describe the hazard, how long it may have been present, and whether the property owner knew the danger.
Maintenance records: Reveal whether the property owner followed routine inspection and maintenance schedules. Gaps in regular maintenance may indicate negligence, especially if the hazard has been present for an extended period.
Security footage: Surveillance cameras in stores, parking lots, or other public places may have captured the accident or the hazardous condition. Video footage can be crucial for establishing exactly how the incident occurred and the state of the property.
Expert opinions (such as Engineers or Safety Professionals): Experts can professionally assess the property’s safety standards. For example, a safety engineer might testify that stairs were not built to code or that lighting was inadequate, reinforcing the claim that the property owner was negligent.

Our lawyers will conduct a comprehensive investigation to identify and collect all available evidence, ensuring your claim is built on a solid foundation. This process helps us advocate for the full compensation you deserve.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Halifax Premises Liability Lawyers Today!

Have you been injured on another person’s property in Halifax? If so, you must seek legal representation from the skilled premises liability lawyers at McKiggan Hebert as soon as possible. Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Halifax have years of experience helping the injured win compensation in premises liability cases. Let us use our extensive experience, resources, and knowledge to help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about how you can seek compensation and how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. To start your premises liability claim today, book your free consultation by completing our form online or calling (902) 706-2298 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a slip-and-fall accident on someone else’s property?

Your safety comes first. Seek medical attention fast, even if your injuries seem minor — some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. If available, report the accident to the property owner or manager immediately and request a written report. Take photos of the hazardous condition that caused your fall and gather contact information for any witnesses. Contact a premises liability lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Can I still file a claim if I overlooked the hazard before the accident?

Yes, you can still file a claim. Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions, even if hazards are not immediately visible. The key is whether the property owner knew or should have known about the danger and failed to address it reasonably. Our team can investigate your accident and determine whether the property owner breached their duty of care.

What if I was partially at fault for my injuries? Can I still seek compensation?

Nova Scotia follows the contributory negligence rule, which means you may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced premises liability lawyer can assess your case and fight to minimize any fault assigned to you.

What is the time limit for filing a premises liability claim in Nova Scotia?

In Nova Scotia, the Limitation of Actions Act generally gives you two years from the accident date to file a claim. However, certain exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of your case. It’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

What if the property owner says they weren’t aware of the hazard?

Property owners can’t avoid liability simply by claiming they were unaware of the hazard. If the danger existed for a long time, the property owner should have known about it and taken steps to fix it. Our legal team will gather evidence to show whether the owner failed to inspect and maintain their property reasonably.

Do I need to prove that the property owner acted intentionally?

No, premises liability claims are based on negligence, not intentional harm. You only need to show that the property owner failed to take reasonable steps to maintain safe conditions or warn about known hazards — not that they intended to cause harm.

Are landlords responsible for tenant injuries in rental properties?

Landlords have to maintain common areas and ensure the property is reasonably safe. If your injury happened because the landlord failed to repair a hazard or warn you of a known danger, they may be liable. However, proving liability in rental properties can be complex, and seeking legal advice is important.

Can I file a claim if I was injured at a friend’s house?

You can still file a claim if you were injured at a private residence. Many homeowners have liability insurance that covers injuries on their property. While taking legal action against someone you know can feel uncomfortable, your claim will typically be handled by their insurance company — not the homeowner personally.

How Can McKiggan Hebert Lawyers Help Me?

At McKiggan Hebert Lawyers, we understand that suffering an injury can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how you can rebuild your life. Our experienced premises liability lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. We’ll treat you with compassion, keep you informed at every step, and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you do. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain when we are on your side.

To start your claim today, call us at 902-706-2298 for a free case consultation.