Premises Liability
Injured on Someone Else’s Property? We’re Here to Help.
Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, tenants, and customers. When they fail to do so - and someone gets hurt - they can be held responsible. At GPJ Legal, we represent individuals throughout New Mexico who’ve been seriously injured due to unsafe or dangerous property conditions.
With over 35 years of civil litigation experience, we know how to investigate and build strong liability cases. Whether your injury happened at a business, private home, or public property, our team is prepared to hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the responsibility of property owners and occupiers to keep their spaces reasonably safe. Common causes of injury include:
Slips, trips, and falls
Unsafe stairs or walkways
Falling merchandise or debris
Inadequate lighting
Negligent security or surveillance
Dog bites or animal attacks
Dangerous pool or deck conditions
Structural hazards
These cases often involve disputes over notice, maintenance, and fault. We know how to uncover the facts and present them clearly - both to insurance carriers and in court.
Where Do These Injuries Happen?
Premises liability injuries can occur almost anywhere, including:
Retail stores and shopping centers
Apartment complexes or rental properties
Hotels, restaurants, and bars
Construction sites
Parking lots or garages
Private residences
Government buildings or public parks
No matter where your injury happened, our first step is understanding what went wrong - and whether the property owner failed to take reasonable precautions.
Types of Injuries We Handle
Broken bones and fractures
Spinal cord injuries
Brain injuries and concussions
Cuts, lacerations, and disfigurement
Emotional trauma
Wrongful death due to unsafe property conditions
We pursue claims that fully reflect the physical, emotional, and financial impact of your injury.
Why Choose GPJ Legal for Premises Liability Cases ?
✔ We’re Built for Complex Civil Litigation
Premises liability claims can involve aggressive insurance defense, conflicting reports, and the need for expert testimony. We know how to prepare for those challenges.
✔ Dual Perspective. Singular Focus: Results.
We’ve represented both injured individuals and insurance carriers, giving us a well-rounded understanding of how to build a strong case.
✔ Respected. Experienced. Ready to Fight When Needed.
With over three decades serving clients across New Mexico, we’ve earned a reputation for professionalism, trial-readiness, and doing right by our clients.
What is premises liability?
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition, which includes keeping it free of dangerous or hazardous conditions that can cause injury. Unfortunately, many unsafe or hazardous conditions may result in slip-and-fall accidents.
For example, an employee may fail to report an unsafe condition, such as a slippery patch of floor or a broken step, which could lead to a slip and fall accident. Other examples include:
• Failure to maintain the premises in good working order
• Inadequate lighting
• Improper cleaning of floors or surfaces
• Dirty floors or surfaces on which someone could slip, trip, or fall
• Lack of handrails or other means for people with disabilities to maneuver safely on stairs or ramps
What examples of dangerous conditions may result in a premise liability claim?
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition, which includes keeping it free of dangerous or hazardous conditions that can cause injury. Unfortunately, many unsafe or hazardous conditions may result in slip-and-fall accidents.
For example, an employee may fail to report an unsafe condition, such as a slippery patch of floor or a broken step, which could lead to a slip and fall accident. Other examples include:
• Failure to maintain the premises in good working order
• Inadequate lighting
• Improper cleaning of floors or surfaces
• Dirty floors or surfaces on which someone could slip, trip, or fall
• Lack of handrails or other means for people with disabilities to maneuver safely on stairs or ramps
Who can I sue in a premises liability case?
A typical premises liability case pursues compensation from the property owner and property management company managing the property. If someone had control over a property and knew of a dangerous condition, they could be responsible for the harms caused.
If I fall and get hurt on a hotel's premises, do I have any recourse against the hotel?
A hotel might be liable if you slip or trip and fall on a hotel premises. For example, if you slip on spilled food or drink in a hotel bar or restaurant, snow and ice that hasn't been cleared from a walkway, or on wet tile floors or other slick surfaces, the hotel might be liable.
How much time do I have to sue for a premises liability injury?
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for bodily injury claims is generally 3 years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances may affect this timeline, so it’s important to consult a lawyer promptly.
Who Is Liable for the Duty of Care for Safety and Security?
Property owners, landlords, and businesses have a duty of care to keep people on their property safe. If safety and security aren’t present (or good enough), assaults and injuries can happen. The owner or business on the property might be liable for the victim’s damages.
Can I sue if I was injured in a rental property?
Yes, you may be able to sue if you were injured in a rental property due to the landlord’s negligence. Landlords have a duty to maintain safe conditions in common areas and ensure that rental units are habitable and free from hazards. If your injury was caused by the landlord’s failure to address known dangers, such as broken stairs, defective wiring, or inadequate security, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. In some cases, you may be able to sue the landlord for injuries caused by another tenant.
Should I take photographs of where my slip and fall accident occurred?
One of the most important things to do immediately after a slip-and-fall accident is to photograph the scene and the property’s condition. This evidence is significant because it documents the conditions of the ground you were walking on when you slipped and fell caused you to fall.
I Was Assaulted In My Apartment Complex. Can I Sue The Owner?
It depends on what the property owner knew. Were appropriate safety measures, like lighting, locks and cameras, in place. You will need to prove that the landowner was on notice that an unsafe condition existed and yet did nothing. Was there is a history of assaults in the complex? Was the assaulter a fellow tenant with a history of violence who was previously reported to the landlord?
What should I do immediately after a slip-and-fall or property accident?
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written copy of the report. Take clear photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area before conditions change. If possible, gather contact information from any witnesses. These steps help preserve critical evidence, protect your health, and strengthen your potential premises liability claim.
