Premises Liability Practice Group

Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC, PLLC, has extensive experience representing property owners, landlords and tenants, both public and private, in law suits seeking compensation for alleged slip/trip and fall, physical and sexual assault, product contamination and poisoning, violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, libel, slander, wrongful detention, illegal arrest and malicious prosecution. Firm clients include national and local restaurants, grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores, hotels, motels, State and Local government and homeowners.

In West Virginia, property owners, landlords and owners now face increased exposure to these types of liability because the Supreme Court of Appeals for West Virginia’s abolished the legal distinction between “invitees,” “licensees” and “trespassers. In Mallet v. Pickens, 206 W. Va. 145, 522 S.E.2d 436 (1999), by creating two categories of potential premises liability plaintiffs: trespassers and non-trespassers. This change is especially important to businesses that open their doors to the general public, regardless of age, race, gender and/or physical disability. Federal and State statutes impose additional responsibilities upon property owners for the protection of various classes of non-trespassers that enter onto the premises of property owners.

In addition to providing legal representation to property owners, Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC, PLLC, has the background and experience to offer legal advice in preparing and implementing safety policies and procedures and is often requested to speak at In-House training for retail managers regarding liability on their premises. These presentations have addressed topics including shoplifting, spoliation of evidence, surveillance, safety programs and training and accident investigation. Additionally, our attorneys are often consulted prior to the filing of a law suit, for opinions as to the liability and value of a potential claim. In this capacity, we work with corporate counsel, in-house risk managers and claims representatives to resolve such claims quickly, thereby, avoiding the costs associated with defending a claim once it is in suit.

Whether a lawsuit has resulted from slip/trip and/or fall, an assault or some other event, Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC, PLLC, will provide an effective and aggressive defense aimed at minimizing or eliminating the potential liability exposure that you or your company may be facing.

For more information, contact a Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC premises liability defense attorney.