Williamsburg Premises Liability Lawyer

Historic neighborhoods, tourist-heavy areas, and student housing—Williamsburg is full of properties used by the public every day. And while most owners take care of their buildings, some neglect critical maintenance, overlook hazards, or ignore safety complaints altogether.

That's when injuries happen. We've seen serious injuries occur in places people pass through routinely, such as short-term rentals, public parking garages, apartment complexes, clinics, and even grocery store entrances during adverse weather conditions. These incidents often trace back to ignored complaints, delayed repairs, or shortcuts that violate basic safety standards.

At Smith Law Center, we represent individuals who have been injured because property owners or managers failed to comply with the law's requirements: inspect, correct, and warn. The questions we ask in every case start with the same one:

Was this preventable?

That was the question in Lensei Harmon's case. She fell at her dentist's office after walking across a freshly mopped floor. No signs. No warning. Her injuries affected her health, her finances, and her daily life. It turned out that complaints about that hazard had already been made, and nothing was done. 

The result: a $12.26 million jury award.

If you've been injured because of a safety issue that should have been addressed sooner, talk to a Williamsburg premises liability attorney today. Your consultation is free. Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us online.

Watch Lensei's Story

What Is Premises Liability?

In Williamsburg, property owners, including businesses, landlords, and homeowners, have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition.

That means more than just reacting to obvious dangers. It means routinely checking for unsafe conditions, fixing problems promptly, and warning people when a hazard can't be immediately repaired.

This applies to a wide range of properties across the city:

• Local shops and restaurants along Richmond Road or Prince George Street;
• Hotels and vacation rentals near Colonial Williamsburg; and
• Apartment complexes, college housing, and private homes throughout James City County.

If you were injured in any of these places and the condition that caused it should have been fixed or warned about, you may have the basis for a premises liability claim.

Where Premises Liability Injuries Happen in Williamsburg

Unsafe conditions can exist on almost any property. Some of the most common Williamsburg locations where serious injuries occur include:

• Grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops near Richmond Road and Monticello Avenue;
• Apartment complexes in the New Town, Ironbound, and James-York Plaza areas;
• Sidewalks, hotel entrances, and parking lots near the Historic District and Visitor Center;
• Private homes and short-term rentals used by tourists;
• Medical offices, dental clinics, and urgent care centers; and
• Schools, churches, and community gathering spaces.

The location doesn't determine whether you have a case. What matters is whether the hazard was known—or should have been—and whether any action was taken to address it before someone got hurt.

Common Hazards That Lead to Injury

We've seen many Williamsburg premises liability cases caused by:

• Slippery floors with no caution signs;
• Loose handrails or crumbling stair edges;
• Uneven walkways, cracked pavement, or torn carpeting;
• Poor lighting in parking areas or interior hallways;
• Exposed wiring or broken smoke alarms in rental units;
• Unfenced pools or malfunctioning gates;
• Unsecured dogs on residential property; and
• Broken locks or open access in high-traffic areas.

A Word of Caution About Insurance Companies

After an injury, you may receive a call from the property owner's insurer requesting a statement. Be careful.

That "friendly" call is often used to gather information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Talk to a premises liability lawyer in Williamsburg first. Protect your rights before speaking on record.

Who's Protected Under Virginia Law?

In Virginia, your rights as an injured visitor depend in part on why you were on the property. The law classifies visitors into three categories:

• Invitees (such as customers, tenants, or patients) are owed the highest level of care. Property owners must inspect their properties regularly and repair any hazards promptly.
• Licensees (such as social guests) must be warned about known dangers.
• Trespassers are typically not protected, unless the hazard involved an unsecured attraction that could harm a child or the owner acted with intent to cause harm.

Even if the facts seem straightforward, visitor status, property records, and timing can all affect whether a claim is valid. Our Williamsburg premises liability lawyers thoroughly scrutinize those details and build each case based on what the law requires, not on what the insurance company claims.

If you've been injured because a property wasn't properly maintained, a conversation with a Williamsburg premises liability attorney can help you understand your legal options. Call (757) 244-7000 or reach out online.

What a Williamsburg Premises Liability Lawsuit Can Help Cover

A property-related injury can disrupt every part of your life. Between medical treatment, lost income, and long-term recovery, many people find themselves paying for someone else's negligence. A premises liability claim in Williamsburg can account for:

• Hospital bills, ambulance transport, and emergency treatment
• Ongoing care such as physical therapy, follow-ups, or medication
• Missed work or reduced hours during recovery
• Long-term changes to your ability to earn a living
• Physical discomfort, mobility issues, or lifestyle limitations
• Damage to personal property, including glasses, braces, or assistive gear

Most people are unaware of the potential value of their case or what insurance companies may omit when offering a quick payout. Hiring an attorney ensures that all losses are thoroughly documented, properly valued, and supported by evidence.

Proven Results in Premises Injury Cases

$12.26 Million Fall Injury at a Retail Store

A shopper slipped on a wet floor that had just been mopped with no signage. The fall caused a traumatic brain injury. Our team took the case to trial and secured a record-breaking jury award.

$1 Million Residential Fire with No Working Smoke Alarms

Our client was hurt in a fire at a rental property. Records showed safety violations and no working alarms. The case settled for full policy limits.

$1 Million Trip and Fall Outside a Restaurant

A guest fell on a crumbling walkway at the entrance of a Williamsburg-area restaurant. The hazard had been reported but never addressed. A safety expert confirmed the defect. We proved liability and recovered the full insurance amount.

A national survey by Martindale-Nolo found that people who hired a personal injury lawyer recovered nearly three times more than those who didn't. In many of our cases, the result reflects everything the injury has disrupted—health, work, and daily life.

What to Do After a Property Injury in Williamsburg

When someone is injured on private property, there's often a short window to act before evidence disappears. Here's what to do right away:

1. Seek medical care. Prompt treatment not only protects your health—it also ties the injury to the event. Without it, insurers may argue the two aren't related.

2. Report the incident. Notify the property owner or manager. Request a written report and retain a copy for your records.

3. Document everything. Write down exactly what happened, what caused the injury, where it occurred, and who saw it. Time, conditions, and visible hazards all matter.

4. Save physical evidence. Photograph the area, your injuries, and anything damaged. Save clothing and footwear. These details may become important later.

5. Don't post online. Insurance companies review social media. A photo or post taken out of context can be used to discredit a valid claim.

6. Speak with a Williamsburg premises liability lawyer. Some evidence related to property conditions, such as video recordings, maintenance logs, or witness contact information, may only be available for a limited time. A lawyer can step in early to request records, protect access to key details, and help you avoid common mistakes that can weaken your case.

Stephen M. Smith | Smith Law Center: "Every day is spent preparing for your case. Your goals become my mission."

Why Work with Smith Law Center?

For 70 years, Smith Law Center has represented individuals who have been injured across Virginia, including those in Williamsburg. We've handled cases involving unsafe stores, hazardous rentals, and dangerous commercial properties, securing both settlements and verdicts that reflect the full extent of harm.

Clients choose us because we provide:

• Legal teams with extensive trial experience;
• Thorough case preparation and strategy;
• Access to experts in building safety, injury care, and long-term impact; and
• No upfront fees. We're paid only when we recover compensation.

Many of the people we work with weren't looking for a lawsuit—they were looking for answers. When a property owner fails to address a known hazard and someone is injured, we're here to hold them accountable.

Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney in Williamsburg

Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe spaces, and when someone is injured because this responsibility is ignored, the law provides a way to hold them accountable.

Smith Law Center works with individuals and families across Williamsburg who were seriously injured by property conditions that should have been corrected.

Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us online for a free case review with a Williamsburg premises liability lawyer.