Premises liability accidents in Fort Wayne happen when property owners or managers fail to maintain a safe environment for visitors, employees, or customers. These incidents can lead to severe injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities. 

Slip and fall injuries or other premises liability accidents can leave injured victims facing mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and prolonged pain and suffering.

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our Fort Wayne premises liability attorneys have been fighting for victims of negligence since 1997. We have recovered several multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for our clients and have been honored by legal organizations, including Super Lawyers® and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. 

Our Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers will fight to hold negligent property owners, managers, and occupants liable for your injuries.

Premises Liability Laws in Indiana

Under Indiana law, property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition to prevent harm to those who enter lawfully. This duty varies based on the status of the visitor:

  • Invitees (e.g., customers, tenants): Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, requiring regular inspections and prompt repairs of dangerous conditions.
  • Licensees (e.g., social guests): Owners must warn of known hazards that may not be immediately obvious to the visitor.
  • Trespassers: While property owners generally owe no duty to trespassers, exceptions exist for children who may be drawn to attractive features, such as swimming pools.

Legal Elements to Prove Liability 

To succeed in a premises liability claim, we must establish that:

  1. The property owner had a duty of care to the victim.
  2. The owner breached that duty by failing to maintain or warn about hazardous conditions.
  3. The breach directly caused the victim’s injuries.
  4. The injuries resulted in measurable damages (e.g., medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering).

Actual vs. Constructive Knowledge of the Property Owner

Under Indiana premises liability law, property owners in Fort Wayne can be held liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions on their property if they have either actual knowledge or constructive knowledge of the danger.

Actual knowledge means the property owner was directly aware of the hazardous condition, such as a broken stair or spilled liquid. Constructive knowledge occurs when the property owner should have known about the hazard through reasonable care, such as regular inspections or maintenance, even if they were not directly aware of it.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Can Handle for You

At Wagner Reese, LLP, our premises liability legal services in Fort Wayne include aggressive representation for all types of premises liability claims, including:

  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Often caused by wet floors, loose carpets, or icy sidewalks
  • Trip and Fall Accidents: Stemming from uneven flooring, poorly lit areas, or unmarked hazards
  • Negligent Security: Leading to assaults, robberies, or other crimes due to inadequate lighting, broken locks, or lack of security personnel
  • Swimming Pool Accidents: Including drownings or injuries caused by lack of safety barriers or lifeguards
  • Defective Property Conditions: Such as broken stairs, collapsing ceilings, or malfunctioning elevators
  • Dog Bites or Animal Attacks: When property owners fail to control dangerous pets
  • Retail Store or Supermarket Injuries: Resulting from falling merchandise or other unsafe conditions
  • Workplace Premises Accidents: Involving third-party liability beyond workers’ compensation claims

Common Locations Where Premises Liability Accidents May Occur in Fort Wayne, IN

Photo of a Man Falling on Wet Floor

Premises liability accidents commonly occur in the following locations:

  • Shopping malls, retail stores, and supermarkets
  • Apartment complexes and rental properties
  • Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs
  • Office buildings and workplaces
  • Hotels and motels
  • Parks, recreational facilities, and playgrounds
  • Public or private swimming pools
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Construction sites or industrial zones

Whether the accident happened in a commercial establishment, a private residence, or a public area, we have the skills, experience, and resources to hold the negligent parties accountable and recover maximum compensation for you.

Choose Our Top-Rated Fort Wayne Premises Liability Attorneys

If you have suffered injuries due to unsafe property conditions, the stakes are high. At Wagner Reese, LLP, we’re proud of the difference we make in our clients’ lives through high-powered legal representation. We understand how devastating and life-altering an unexpected premises liability injury can be, and we fight relentlessly to recover the compensation you need.Our attorneys have obtained over $300 million for injured victims across Indiana, earning a reputation for delivering results when it matters most. Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, our Fort Wayne premises liability lawyers are here to advocate for you every step of the way. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.