Premises Liability in Mobile, AL: Can You Sue if You’re Injured at a Local Business?

What Is Premises Liability in Alabama?

Under Alabama law, businesses owe a special duty of care to “invitees,” including paying customers and just about anyone else lawfully on the property. That means they must take reasonable steps to fix dangerous conditions or warn visitors about them.

In other words, if you were injured because a store or restaurant failed to fix a hazard and didn’t even bother to put up a warning sign, you could be entitled to compensation.

Common locations where premises liability incidents can happen in Mobile include:

• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Restaurants and bars
• Hotels
• Office buildings
• Gas stations

Can You Sue a Business for an Injury in Mobile, AL?

Yes, you could sue a business if an owner or lessee’s negligence or recklessness caused your injury. However, to bring a successful case, you’ll need to show that the business:

1. Owed you a duty of care (which it typically does if you were there lawfully)
2. Breached that duty by failing to address a dangerous condition
3. Caused your injury as a result of that breach
4. Left you with damages (such as medical costs, lost income, or lasting injuries)

For example, if a grocery store employee failed to clean up a spill or didn’t place warning signs in time, and you slipped and fell, the business may be legally responsible. An Alabama personal injury lawyer can clarify your legal options.

Alabama’s Contributory Negligence Rule: What It Means for Your Case

Alabama is one of only a few states that still uses a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are found to be even one percent at fault for your injury, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all.

That means getting what you deserve can be tough, as businesses and their insurance companies will look for ways to shift the blame back to you so they don’t have to pay. For example, they might argue you were wearing unsafe footwear or entered an area you weren’t supposed to be in.

This prohibitively strict legal rule makes it especially important to get legal advice as soon as possible and meticulously document what happened.

What Are Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases in Mobile, AL?

Premises liability accidents can cause a range of injuries. Some are obvious and severe, while others may sneak up on you later. Even injuries that seem minor at first can turn into costly and chronic problems. Common injuries in these cases include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Concussions and other brain trauma
• Back, neck, and spinal injuries
• Sprains and joint damage
• Deep cuts and scarring
• Emotional trauma

Your Best Next Steps After an Injury at a Mobile Business

What you do right after getting hurt can determine whether you get compensation or walk away with nothing. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Tell a manager or employee about your accident immediately and insist they document the incident.
• Snap photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the scene before anything changes.
• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel ok, because some injuries show up later.
• Get contact info from anyone who saw what happened.
• Retain every medical bill, report, and message from the business or their insurance.

And perhaps the most important tip: don’t talk to insurance adjusters or accept any settlement offers before you’ve spoken to a Mobile premises liability lawyer. Those early offers are usually attempts by an insurance company to cheat you out of what you truly deserve.

Don’t Miss the Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Alabama

According to the Code of Alabama § 6-2-38(l), you generally have only two years from the date of the injury to file a premises liability lawsuit. If you wait too long, your chance to recover compensation could be gone for good. If you suffered a slip and fall on government property, that deadline could be even shorter. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you’re not missing any critical filing deadlines.

How a Mobile Premises Liability Attorney Can Help You

A skilled premises liability lawyer in Mobile knows how to dig into the details. They’ll gather evidence you need to prove your case, handle tricky insurance negotiations, and fight back if the business tries to blame your injury on you. They’ll guide you through Alabama’s complicated legal rules and make sure your case gets the attention it deserves.

Best of all, most injury lawyers work on a “contingency basis,” meaning you don’t owe any attorney’s fees unless they win your case. That way, you can focus on healing without the stress of more expenses hanging over your head.

Don’t Navigate A Claim Alone – Get Connected With a Trusted Attorney in Mobile, AL

Navigating a legal claim after an injury can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Alabama, where contributory negligence laws can block even strong claims. Having the right lawyer on your side from the very beginning can make a real difference.

ConsumerShield helps people in Mobile and across Alabama connect with attorneys who specialize in premises liability and other personal injury cases. Whether your accident happened at a grocery store or another type of local business, the attorneys in our network can advise you and hold negligent property owners accountable.