Accidents can happen anywhere—whether you’re shopping at a local store, visiting a friend’s home, or relaxing in a public park. When these accidents result from unsafe property conditions, the consequences can cause everything from fractured bones and head injuries to emotional trauma.
In Nebraska, premises liability law ensures property owners are held accountable for maintaining safe environments and addressing hazards that can harm visitors.
Whether you’ve slipped on a wet floor, tripped over a broken step, or suffered an injury due to negligent security, you need a lawyer to protect your rights.
That’s where Steffens Law Offices steps in. Our Omaha premises liability lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (402) 414-4896 to set up your free consultation today.
Why Choose Steffens Law Office’s Omaha Premises Liability Attorneys
When facing the aftermath of a personal injury, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. At Steffens Law Offices, our Omaha premises liability lawyers offer a combination of experience, dedication, and personalized care that sets us apart.
Decades of Combined Legal Experience
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, our team knows personal injury law inside and out. This extensive background allows us to navigate complex legal challenges effectively and advocate for our clients' best interests.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our firm has secured significant settlements for our clients, reflecting our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. One of our notable case results is $300,000 for a slip and fall incident in a store. Such results demonstrate our ability to handle various personal injury cases successfully.
Client-Centered Approach
We prioritize our clients' well-being, offering compassionate support throughout the legal process. Our team is known for being responsive, treating clients with respect, and ensuring they feel heard and understood.
Statewide Accessibility
With six offices across Nebraska, we are accessible to clients throughout the state. Our team is available 24/7, ensuring that legal assistance is always within reach.
Recognition and Awards
Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by peers and clients alike. We have been voted among the Top 5 Best Attorneys in Nebraska by 'Best Things Nebraska,' reflecting our reputation for quality legal services.
Choosing Steffens Law Accident Injury Lawyers means partnering with a firm that combines experience, proven results, and a client-focused approach. Our Omaha premises liability attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and knowledge, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Our Omaha office is conveniently located south of I-480 and west of the Missouri River.
Categories of Visitors and Corresponding Duties
Premises liability law in Nebraska governs the responsibilities of property owners to ensure the safety of individuals who enter their premises. When property owners fail to maintain safe environments, and someone is injured as a result, they may be held legally accountable. At Steffens Law Offices, we represent victims of such negligence, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Nebraska law classifies individuals entering a property into three main categories, each with distinct legal considerations:
Invitees
Invitees are individuals who enter a property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes:
- Regularly inspecting the premises for potential hazards.
- Promptly addressing known dangers.
- Providing adequate warnings about any existing risks.
Failure to uphold these responsibilities can result in the property owner being held liable for any injuries sustained by the invitee.
Licensees
Licensees, such as social guests, enter a property for non-business purposes. Property owners must:
- Warn licensees of any known dangers that are not immediately obvious.
- Refrain from willfully causing harm.
While the duty of care is less stringent than for invitees, property owners can still be liable if they neglect these obligations.
Trespassers
Trespassers enter a property without permission. Generally, property owners owe minimal duty to trespassers, primarily:
- Avoiding willful or wanton harm.
- Refraining from setting traps or hazards intended to injure.
However, exceptions exist, especially concerning child trespassers. Under the"attractive nuisance" doctrine, property owners may be liable if a hazardous condition on their property is likely to attract children and they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Cases
In Nebraska, a successful premises liability claim hinges on your ability to prove that the property owner's negligence directly caused your injuries. This legal process involves establishing several key elements, each of which must be supported with credible evidence and legal argument.
A lawyer who understands how these elements interact—and how Nebraska law applies to them—can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Our Omaha premises liability attorneys will work to prove all of these elements in your case.
Duty of Care
The first step in proving negligence is showing that the property owner owed you a duty of care.
In Nebraska, this duty is defined by your legal status on the property at the time of the accident. Invitees, such as customers or patrons, are owed the highest level of care.
Property owners must routinely inspect the premises and take reasonable steps to fix or warn about any hazards that can foreseeably cause harm.
Breach of Duty
Once a duty is established, the next question is whether the property owner breached that duty. A breach occurs when the owner fails to take reasonable measures to prevent injury. This might involve neglecting to mop up a spilled drink in a grocery store aisle, failing to repair a loose handrail on a staircase, or not posting adequate warnings about a known hazard.
In Nebraska, whether or not the property owner's actions—or inactions—constitute a breach is typically evaluated based on what a "reasonable property owner" should have done under similar circumstances. This is where evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance logs, incident reports, and witness testimony becomes crucial.
Causation
The injured party must then demonstrate a direct link between the property owner’s breach of duty and the injury suffered. In legal terms, this is known as “causation.” It must be clear that the hazardous condition directly led to the accident and that the injuries did not result from another unrelated cause.
For example, if a customer slips on a puddle in a store where no warning signs were posted, and surveillance footage confirms the hazard was left unattended for an unreasonable period, that footage can be key to proving causation. Medical records and expert opinions may also show how the accident specifically caused the injuries sustained.
Damages
Finally, the injured individual must prove that they suffered actual damages. This includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, reduced earning capacity, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. Without documented damages, there is no legal basis for compensation, even if negligence is clear.
At Steffens Law Offices, we carefully assess each of these elements and gather the documentation necessary to support your claim. We work with medical professionals, safety experts, and investigators to build a compelling case that reflects the full extent of your losses.
The Role of Hazard Type in Liability
An important factor in any premises liability case is the nature of the hazard itself. Temporary hazards—like a spilled liquid or recently tracked-in snow—require prompt action by the property owner to be considered reasonable. Permanent hazards, such as crumbling stairs, faulty wiring, or broken handrails, reflect longer-term negligence and often result in stronger claims.
Whether the danger was temporary or long-standing, property owners must take reasonable steps to address unsafe conditions. If they fail to do so and someone is injured as a result, they can be held accountable under Nebraska law.
If you believe a property owner's negligence caused your injury, don’t delay. Proving fault requires a thorough investigation and timely legal action. At Steffens Law Offices, we’re here to guide you through every step and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Premises Liability Cases in Nebraska
At Steffens Law Offices, we handle a variety of premises liability cases, including:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Often caused by wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces.
- Trip and Fall Accidents: Resulting from obstacles like loose rugs, debris, or poorly maintained walkways.
- Negligent Security: Injuries due to inadequate lighting, lack of security personnel, or malfunctioning locks.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: Incidents stemming from a lack of fencing, slippery surfaces, or the absence of supervision.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Injuries from unrestrained or aggressive animals.
- Retail Store Accidents: Harm caused by falling merchandise, cluttered aisles, or defective equipment.
- Elevator and Escalator Incidents: Accidents due to mechanical failures or poor maintenance.
- Toxic Exposure or Mold Claims: Health issues arising from exposure to hazardous substances or mold in buildings.
Nebraska Statute of Limitations for Premises Liability
In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for premises liability claims, such as slip and falls or unsafe property injuries, is generally four years from the date of the accident (Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-207). However, cases involving government property may require filing a formal claim within one year.
For minors or incapacitated individuals, the deadline may be extended. Failing to file on time can result in losing your right to compensation. Our Omaha premises liability lawyers will help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Common Locations for Premises Liability Accidents in Nebraska
Premises liability accidents can occur in various settings, such as:
- Shopping Centers and Big Box Stores: High foot traffic areas like Westroads Mall, Oak View Mall, and Target on Dodge Street often present risks such as slippery floors, cluttered walkways, or falling merchandise.
- Restaurants and Bars: Popular spots such as The Drover, Upstream Brewing Company, and the Old Market area can pose hazards due to dim lighting, crowded seating, or spilled food and drink.
- Hotels and Resorts: Establishments like the Hilton Omaha, Hotel Deco, and Cambria Hotel Downtown Omaha may expose guests to risks, including wet lobbies, malfunctioning elevators, or poorly secured balconies.
- Apartment Complexes and Rentals: Properties such as The Triangle Apartments, Vinton Street Apartments, and Parkwood Manor can be sites of injuries caused by broken stairs, icy walkways, or a lack of routine maintenance.
- Public Parks and Playgrounds: Places like Zorinsky Lake Park, Elmwood Park, and Standing Bear Lake may have aging equipment, uneven trails, or insufficient lighting that lead to falls or other injuries.
- Private Homes: Neighborhoods across Dundee, Benson, and Millard may involve hazards like unshoveled driveways, defective steps, or aggressive pets that can cause serious harm to visitors.
- Medical Offices or Clinics: Facilities, including Nebraska Medicine clinics, CHI Health Clinic on 132nd and Center, and Midwest Gastrointestinal Associates, must ensure safe access, as wet floors or obstructed entrances can lead to injuries.
Types of Injuries from Dangerous Property Conditions
Injuries resulting from unsafe premises can vary in severity, including:
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Burn Injuries
- Lacerations and Facial Injuries
- Infections or Illnesses from Toxic Exposure
- Psychological Trauma
Such injuries can lead to long-term health issues, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
Compensation for Premises Liability Claims
Victims of premises liability incidents in Nebraska may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Determining the appropriate compensation requires a thorough evaluation of the incident, injuries sustained, and their impact on the victim's life.
Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident in Nebraska
If you've been injured on someone else's property:
- Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and obtain documentation of your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or items involved in the accident.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Before providing statements, consult with an Omaha premises liability attorney.
- Contact Steffens Law Offices: Our experienced Omaha premises liability attorneys can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.
At Steffens Law Offices, we are committed to helping Nebraskans exercise their rights under premises liability law. With our extensive experience and dedication, we strive to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
Contact Steffens Law Offices Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The sooner you act, the better your chances are to preserve evidence, build a strong case, and recover the compensation you deserve.
At Steffens Law Offices, our Omaha premises liability lawyers are here to stand up for your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the justice you’re owed. With decades of combined experience and a reputation for compassionate, results-driven advocacy, our team is ready to help you move forward.
Call us today at (402) 414-4896 for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal burden—so you can focus on healing.