What a New Hampshire Premises Liability Attorney Does

If you were injured on someone else’s property in New Hampshire, you may have the right to seek compensation. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can result.

At Sabbeth Law, we represent individuals throughout New Hampshire who have been hurt because a property owner did not fix a dangerous condition or warn about a known hazard. Whether the injury happened in Manchester, Concord, Nashua, Portsmouth, or another community in the state, we help clients understand their rights and take action.

Premises liability cases often involve slip and falls, unsafe stairways, poor lighting, snow and ice hazards, negligent security, or poorly maintained commercial spaces. These cases can be complex. Property owners and their insurance companies often deny responsibility.

You do not have to face that process alone. A New Hampshire premises liability lawyer can investigate what happened, determine whether the owner breached their duty, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Types of Slip and Fall Accidents

There are two main types of slip and fall accidents.

The first type is called a same-level slip and fall. These are the most common and often form the basis of personal injury lawsuits. They happen when someone slips, trips, or falls on the same surface they are walking on.

Examples include tripping on broken sidewalks, slipping on wet floors, or falling on damaged steps.

Injuries from same-level falls are often less severe than elevated falls. However, they can still be very serious. For example, someone might slip on an icy sidewalk and fall backward, hitting their head on the pavement.

The second type is an elevated fall. These happen when someone falls from a height.

Examples include falling off a loading dock, a ladder, or scaffolding at a construction site.

Although elevated falls are less common, they often cause more serious injuries. A construction worker who falls from one level of a building to another may suffer severe back or spinal injuries. In some cases, those injuries can lead to permanent paralysis.

Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Any hazardous condition on a property can lead to a serious slip and fall accident. Some dangers are more common than others.

These include:

  • Wet or uneven walking surfaces, such as loose mats, loose floorboards, potholes in parking lots, and cluttered floors
  • Icy sidewalks, snow-covered walkways, and slippery surfaces caused by heavy rain
  • Obstructions like electrical wires or stray cords
  • Poor lighting

No matter the cause, slip and fall accidents can lead to painful injuries and expensive medical treatment.

Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue damage.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?

Slip and fall accidents can happen almost anywhere. They occur at workplaces, on sidewalks, and even inside private homes.

Most often, however, they happen on commercial properties.

These may include:

  • Restaurants
  • Grocery stores
  • Amusement parks
  • Shopping centers
  • Elevators and escalators
  • Parking garages
  • Swimming pools
  • Nursing homes
  • Stadiums

Proving Liability in Slip and Fall Cases

Proving fault in a slip and fall case can be challenging.

To hold a property owner legally responsible, you must show one of the following:

  • The property owner (or an employee) created the hazardous condition
  • The owner knew about the danger and failed to fix it
  • The owner should have known about the danger because a reasonable person would have discovered and corrected it

Many slip and fall cases rely on the “reasonable person” standard. This makes them difficult to prove without strong evidence.

An experienced New Hampshire premises liability or slip-and-fall lawyer can help gather evidence and explain what a reasonable property owner should have done.

Other Types of Premises Liability Cases

Slip and falls are only one type of premises liability claim.

Other cases may involve:

  • Dangerous or defective property conditions
  • Poor maintenance
  • Dog bites
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Carbon monoxide exposure
  • Fires
  • Flooding
  • Toxic chemical exposure

Who Is Liable in a Premises Liability Case?

In many cases, the property owner is responsible for injuries that occur on their property.

However, other parties may also be liable, including:

  • A tenant or occupier who created the hazardous condition
  • A maintenance company responsible for keeping the property safe
  • A government entity that failed to properly maintain public property

Every premises liability case is different. Liability depends on the specific facts of the situation.

Because these cases can be complex, it is important to speak with an experienced premises liability lawyer. A lawyer can evaluate your case, identify who may be responsible, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

How We Help You Build a Strong Premises Liability Claim

We start by identifying whether the property owner failed to meet their legal duty. Under New Hampshire law, owners and occupiers must maintain reasonably safe conditions for lawful visitors.

That duty includes inspecting the property, fixing known hazards, and warning people about dangers that are not obvious.

We carefully review:

  • How long the hazard existed
  • Whether the owner knew or should have known about it
  • Whether proper maintenance was performed
  • Whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent harm

Proof is very important in these cases. We collect photos, security videos, repair records, safety check reports, and statements from people who saw what happened. If needed, we also work with engineers, safety experts, and doctors to explain how the unsafe condition caused your injury.

Insurance companies often try to blame you for the accident. In New Hampshire, there is a rule about shared fault. If you are partly at fault, the money you receive may be reduced. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover any money.

We prepare your case carefully from the start so we can handle these issues and present a strong, clear claim.

Why Choose Sabbeth Law for a New Hampshire Premises Liability Case?

Choosing the right attorney matters. Premises liability cases require detailed investigation, knowledge of state law, and the ability to stand up to insurers.

Sabbeth Law focuses on serious injury cases throughout New Hampshire. Our team understands how local courts evaluate negligence claims and how insurance carriers assess risk.

Experience With Complex Injury Cases

Premises accidents often lead to serious injuries such as:

These injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. We understand how to document both immediate and future medical needs. Our approach includes reviewing medical records closely and, when appropriate, consulting with specialists to assess long-term impact.

Knowledge of New Hampshire Law

Premises liability standards vary by state. New Hampshire courts analyze whether a property owner acted reasonably under the circumstances.

Attorney Michael J. Sabbeth stays current on how New Hampshire trial courts and the New Hampshire Supreme Court interpret negligence and duty of care. That knowledge allows us to build arguments grounded in state-specific legal standards rather than relying on generic principles.

Thorough Evidence Collection

Property conditions can change quickly. Spills are cleaned. Ice melts. Repairs are made.

We act promptly to preserve evidence. That may include sending preservation letters, requesting incident reports, obtaining security footage, and interviewing witnesses before memories fade.

If a property has a history of similar incidents, we investigate whether prior complaints or injuries show the owner was aware of the danger.

Trial Readiness

Many premises liability claims settle through negotiation. However, some require litigation.

Our firm prepares every case as though it may go to trial. We organize evidence clearly, prepare expert testimony carefully, and present claims in a structured and persuasive manner. Being ready for court strengthens our position during settlement discussions.

Client-Focused Representation

At Sabbeth Law, clients work directly with experienced attorneys. We limit our caseload so that each matter receives attention and a thoughtful strategy.

We provide clear explanations, regular updates, and honest assessments. Injuries create stress. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and help you move forward with confidence.

What to Expect in a New Hampshire Premises Liability Case

Understanding the process can ease anxiety. While every case is different, most premises liability claims in New Hampshire follow a similar path.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Case Review

We begin by listening. You explain how the injury occurred, where it happened, and what medical treatment you have received.

We evaluate whether the facts suggest a breach of duty and whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward. If we accept the case, we begin an investigation immediately.

Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

This stage focuses on building the foundation of your claim.

We may inspect the property, review maintenance procedures, obtain safety policies, and analyze incident reports. In cases involving commercial properties, we examine whether staff followed established protocols.

If weather conditions are involved, such as snow or ice in New Hampshire winters, we review whether the owner acted within a reasonable timeframe to clear hazards.

Step 3: Documenting Damages

Proving liability is only part of the case. We must also document your losses.

Damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

We collect medical records, employment documentation, and expert opinions when necessary to support the full value of your claim.

Step 4: Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Most property owners carry liability insurance. After building a strong case, we present a demand that reflects the seriousness of your injuries.

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. They may argue that the condition was obvious or that you were distracted.

We respond with evidence and legal analysis that clearly demonstrates why the owner is responsible under New Hampshire law.

Step 5: Litigation if Necessary

If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we file a lawsuit in the appropriate New Hampshire court.

The litigation process may include discovery, depositions, motions, and potentially trial. While this stage can take time, it ensures that your case receives full consideration.

Throughout each step, we explain what is happening and what to expect next.

Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Premises liability means getting hurt because a place was not safe. Our firm helps with many types of these cases.

This can include slipping and falling in a store or restaurant. It can also mean falling because the stairs were broken, railings were loose, or the floor was uneven. Some people get hurt because parking lots or hallways are too dark to see clearly.

Other cases involve snow and ice that were not cleared away. Some involve poor security at a business. We also handle injuries in unsafe apartments, rental buildings, pools, or other recreation areas.

Every case is different. We carefully look at what the property looked like and what the owner should have done to keep people safe.

Deadlines for Filing a Premises Liability Claim in New Hampshire

New Hampshire generally allows three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation.

While three years may seem like a long time, waiting can weaken your case. Evidence may disappear, and witnesses may be harder to locate.

Consulting an attorney early helps protect your rights and preserve critical information.

Get Guidance From a New Hampshire Premises Liability Lawyer

Premises liability cases are about accountability. When property owners fail to keep their spaces reasonably safe, people can suffer serious harm.

If you were injured on someone else’s property in New Hampshire, our lawyers can evaluate your situation and explain your options. We focus on clear communication, careful preparation, and strong advocacy.

Contact Sabbeth Law today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

FAQs

What is premises liability in New Hampshire?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions. If someone is injured because the owner failed to address a dangerous condition, the injured person may seek compensation.

Who can file a premises liability claim?

Visitors, customers, tenants, and others lawfully on the property may be able to file a claim if the owner failed to fix or warn about a hazard. The specific rights depend on the circumstances.

What must I prove in a premises liability case?

You must show that the property owner owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injury. You must also prove your damages, such as medical bills and lost income.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In most cases, New Hampshire law provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Speaking with an attorney promptly helps ensure deadlines are met.