Yorktown Premises Liability Lawyer

A slip on a grocery store floor. A dog attack in a neighbor's yard. A smoke detector that failed to sound when it mattered most.

These events may seem like accidents, but many are the direct result of property owners failing to take basic safety precautions. Virginia law holds them accountable when that failure causes harm.

At Smith Law Center, our Yorktown premises liability lawyers help people get answers to questions like:

• Did the property owner know, or should they have known, about this hazard?
• Could this injury have been prevented with proper maintenance or clearer signage?
• Was this risk something others had reported before, but no action was taken?

If the facts point to negligence, that's where we step in.

A Law Firm That Takes Unsafe Conditions Seriously

We represent individuals and families whose lives are disrupted by property-related injuries, including:

• Slips, trips, or falls from spills, broken surfaces, or poor lighting;
• Fires in buildings with outdated or missing safety tools like smoke detectors;
• Dog bites and animal attacks due to inadequate fences or known risks;
• Assaults linked to poor lighting or lack of basic security; and
• Building defects like collapsing handrails, broken staircases, or unsafe decks.

You shouldn't have to carry the physical, financial, or emotional burden of a property owner's oversight. We're here to help you find accountability and a way forward.

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

When Safety Oversight Becomes a Life-Altering Injury

"I had no warning... and everything changed in a moment."

Lensei Harmon visited her dentist expecting routine care. Instead, she slipped on a slick, freshly cleaned floor.

No hazard signs. No warnings. The fall was severe and preventable.

Her injuries impacted her ability to work, move with ease, and manage daily responsibilities. As our investigation revealed, others had warned the office of similar issues.

When Lensei reached out to us, we listened first, then built a case that delivered the justice she deserved.

Watch Lensei's Story to hear how her case unfolded.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the legal responsibility property owners have to maintain reasonably safe conditions for people lawfully on the premises. This applies to:

• Business owners,
• Landlords and property managers,
• Homeowners,
• Short-term rental hosts (like Airbnb), and
• Government-run facilities.

Under Virginia law, they are required to:

• Routinely inspect for obvious hazards,
• Repair or eliminate risks that could cause injury, and
• Warn visitors of known dangers if immediate repairs aren't possible.

However, the level of care owed depends on your role on the property:

• Invitees (e.g., customers, tenants, delivery personnel) are owed the highest duty of care.
• Licensees (e.g., social guests) should be warned about known hazards.
• Trespassers are typically not protected, except in certain child-specific cases involving "attractive nuisances" such as pools.

If you were lawfully on a property and injured due to neglect, you may have a valid claim.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle in Yorktown

Property-related injuries come in many forms. Our Yorktown premises liability lawyers handle cases involving:

• Slip and Fall Accidents: Spills, cracked sidewalks, loose rugs, torn carpets, or icy walkways. These are some of the most common and preventable causes of injury.
• Poor Lighting: Burned-out lights in stairwells or parking lots can cause dangerous falls or even criminal assaults.
• Dog Bites: An owner's failure to properly leash or secure a known aggressive dog can turn a routine visit into a medical crisis.
• Fires in Unsafe Buildings: We represent people harmed in apartments or buildings without working smoke detectors, fire escapes, or up-to-code wiring.
• Structural Failures: From collapsing balconies to loose handrails or broken stairs, we investigate neglect often overlooked in maintenance reports.
• Negligent Security: Unsecured entryways, broken locks, or no surveillance in high-risk areas can lead to violent incidents. When prevention was possible, the law offers recourse.

If an injury occurs in a place that should have been safe, we'll uncover what went wrong and who is responsible.

Where Premises Liability Injuries Often Happen in Yorktown

Unsafe conditions can exist anywhere the public or guests are invited. Common locations include the following:

• Apartment complexes and rental homes;
• Grocery stores, malls, and big-box retailers;
• Sidewalks, parking lots, and garages;
• Restaurants, bars, and event venues;
• Hospitals, medical offices, and rehab centers; and
• Hotels, motels, and short-term rental properties.

If you were injured in any of these settings in Yorktown, we'll help determine whether the property owner failed to uphold their legal obligations.

Property owners in Virginia carry a legal duty to protect lawful visitors. When they cut corners, delay maintenance, or ignore reports—and someone gets hurt—we demand accountability.

Call (757) 244-7000 or get a free case review with a Yorktown premises liability attorney today.

What to Do After a Property-Related Injury

If you're hurt on someone else's property, here are the immediate steps to protect your rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if it seems minor. Some injuries may not surface until later, and early care can help link the harm to the incident.
• Document the Scene: Take photos of the hazard (wet floor, uneven pavement, broken lighting) before it's cleaned or fixed.
• File a Report: Notify property management or ownership before leaving. Ask for a written record of your report.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep the clothes or shoes worn during the incident; they may be helpful evidence.
• Speak with a Yorktown Premises Liability Lawyer: Our team can act quickly to preserve video evidence, obtain repair logs, and secure critical witness statements.

One Mistake That Could Cost You Your Case

Within days or even hours after your injury, you may get a call from the property owner's insurance company.

They might ask to record your statement "just to get the facts."

Don't do it. Here's why:

• Seemingly innocent comments ("I wasn't paying attention") can damage your case under Virginia's strict contributory negligence laws.
• Recorded statements can be used out of context and make it harder to prove liability later.
• You're not obligated to speak with them. Let a premises liability lawyer in Yorktown handle these calls on your behalf.

What Does a Premises Liability Claim Cover?

A strong premises liability claim can cover much more than your initial medical expenses. Your case may involve a range of damages, including:

• Emergency and long-term medical treatment;
• Lost income during recovery and reduced long-term earning capacity;
• Transportation to doctor visits, physical therapy, or other treatments;
• Ongoing care, pain medication, or rehabilitative services;
• Home modifications or assistive equipment needed for mobility or safety; and
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of life.

At Smith Law Center, we take a comprehensive approach to documenting your losses. We consult with medical professionals, life care planners, economists, and occupational experts to understand how your injury impacts not just today but your future.

According to a Martindale-Nolo survey, personal injury victims who hired a lawyer received settlements nearly three times higher than those who didn't.

Hiring the right legal team doesn't just level the playing field—it can be the difference between covering some of your bills and protecting your long-term quality of life.

Proven Results in Premises Injury Cases

We're proud to have helped clients throughout Virginia secure significant results, including:

• $12.26 Million: A shopper slipped on a wet floor in a store. No warning signs were used after cleaning. The fall resulted in a traumatic brain injury. A jury delivered a record-setting verdict.

• $1 Million: Our client was trapped in a rooming house fire. Our investigation revealed that there were no functioning smoke detectors and that safety inspections had been missed. We reached a full policy settlement.

• $1 Million: A guest slipped on a wet concrete floor at a restaurant. The fall caused a mild traumatic brain injury. We proved negligence and secured full compensation from the insurer.

"Many of our clients start by saying, 'I'm not the kind of person who sues.' And we get that. No one expects to be injured visiting the store or walking through an apartment hallway. But when you're left with pain, bills, and no clear path forward, that's when it becomes a legal issue, not just bad luck."

— Stephen M. Smith | Founder, Smith Law Center

Why Clients Choose Smith Law Center

For over 70 years, we've helped injured people and their families recover full and fair compensation. Here's what sets us apart:

• Extensive experience in Virginia premises liability law,
• Nationally respected in complex injury cases, including traumatic brain injury,
• An in-house litigation team that prepares every case for trial,
• No upfront fees—we only get paid when we win for you, and
• Transparent communication and a genuine commitment to your outcome.

You don't need to figure out liability alone. That's what we do.

Talk to a Premises Liability Attorney in Yorktown Today

From defective walkways to unsecured apartment complexes, unsafe property conditions can cause catastrophic harm. Let's talk about what happened and whether it could have been prevented.

Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us for a free consultation. You owe nothing upfront. And holding negligent parties accountable may help prevent injuries for others, too.