Injuries on a Neighbor’s Property
Perhaps one of the most difficult and challenging types of injuries to suffer is one that happens on a neighbor’s property. Having great neighbors is a delicate balance that people often spend years trying to manage. No one wants to have disagreements with people who live in close proximity, so it only stands to reason that no one wants to sue a neighbor, even if the injuries are severe. The good news is, our attorneys have decades of experience resolving disputes.
So, if you’ve been seriously injured on a neighbor’s property, you can trust our firm to compassionately and skillfully work to resolve your case with tact and integrity. Here are some things to consider when you’ve been hurt on a neighbor’s property.
Don’t Make it Personal
If you decide that your injury is so serious that you need help, you should not feel bad about taking actions to protect your rights. If it helps, try to remember that the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees your right to resolve your grievance with your neighbor by using the court system. Try to focus on the ways that your life has changed, the things you must now deal with, and how you are going to survive. If your neighbor destroyed your fence, you would ask him to fix it, right? Well, is your body, livelihood, and physical well-being any less important than a fence?
Keep it Civil and Don’t Involve Others
Regardless of what your neighbor may say to others, you should remain professional and silent. Say you were visiting your neighbor for a cookout and fell from his porch, because the railing gave way. Do not go on social media and make threats. Do not publicize your injuries or talk about it with others in your neighborhood. Instead, contact an experienced attorney, file your claim, and allow your attorney to assist you with getting compensation.
Remember That Your Neighbor May Get an Insurance Rate Increase, But in Most Cases, Your Claim is Not Going to Financially Ruin Him
But doing nothing could ruin you. If you are out of work due to your injury, or you are racking up huge medical expenses, then your family has every right to seek compensation. If your neighbor is a kind and reasonable person, then he or she should recognize that these are simply costs that must be resolved. If their negligence caused your injuries, then the right thing to do is to work with their insurance company to ensure the claim is timely and justly handled. A slight increase in insurance costs is a small price to pay to make sure an injured friend or neighbor is paid back for an injury.
How Roman & Roman, P.A. Can Help
People often fear that attorneys will make things worse. Usually, it’s the opposite. We work to take the emotions out of the situation. We can work to preserve evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and handle all of the day-to-day settlement talks. This allows you and your neighbor a better chance of keeping your relationship friendly and amicable, while we work behind the scenes to ensure you are provided for. If you’ve suffered a serious injury on someone else’s property and you suspect negligence is involved, call us today to set up a free consultation with one of the skilled attorneys at Roman & Roman, P.A.
