Guntersville Premises Liability Attorneys
Helping Injury Victims Seek Justice and Compensation Across Marshall County and North Alabama
No one expects to be injured while visiting someone else’s property. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall at a grocery store, a dog bite in a neighborhood, or a drowning at a pool, these incidents can leave you facing physical pain, financial hardship, and deep emotional stress.
At Guntersville Law, LLC, we believe that property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. When they fail to do so — and someone gets hurt — they should be held accountable.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys, Paul Seckel and Emily Jolley Seckel, are here to help you understand your rights, build a strong claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve. We proudly represent injury victims throughout Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, and all of Marshall County.
Understanding Premises Liability
Under Alabama law, premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility to maintain a safe environment for visitors. If someone is injured due to unsafe conditions, the owner may be held financially liable for the victim’s damages.
The level of care a property owner owes depends on the legal status of the visitor:
Invitees: People invited for business purposes (like customers or tenants). Owners must keep the property reasonably safe and fix or warn of hazards.
Licensees: Social guests who enter with permission. Owners must warn them about known dangers.
Trespassers: People entering without permission. Owners generally owe limited duty, except to avoid intentional harm.
No matter your status, every property owner must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable injuries.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability covers a wide range of incidents that can cause serious injury. Our firm handles cases involving:
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Wet floors, uneven sidewalks, loose carpeting, and poor lighting can lead to falls resulting in broken bones, head injuries, or spinal damage.
Dog Bite Injuries
Pet owners are responsible for controlling their animals. Dog attacks can cause severe lacerations, infections, or permanent scarring — especially in children.
Burn Injuries
Faulty wiring, open flames, and unsafe heating systems can cause burns that require long-term medical care and reconstructive treatment.
Drowning or Pool Accidents
Unfenced or poorly maintained pools can lead to catastrophic or fatal drownings, particularly involving children.
Defective or Unsafe Conditions
Cracked pavement, missing handrails, or falling objects can cause devastating injuries in public or private spaces.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Hazardous materials left unsecured can lead to respiratory issues, burns, or poisoning.
Whether your injury happened on private property, in a store, apartment complex, or public place, we will hold negligent owners and their insurance companies accountable.
Proving Liability in an Alabama Premises Liability Case
To win a premises liability claim, you must prove that:
A dangerous condition existed on the property (e.g., wet floor, broken railing, faulty wiring).
The property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
The owner failed to take reasonable steps to correct or warn about the danger.
The dangerous condition directly caused your injuries.
You suffered measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Our attorneys at Guntersville Law, LLC will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and work with experts to establish liability and prove your case.
Defenses in Premises Liability Cases
Insurance companies and property owners often try to deny responsibility by claiming:
Contributory Negligence: Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovery.
Assumption of Risk: They may argue you knew about the hazard and chose to proceed anyway.
Open and Obvious Danger: They may claim the risk was clearly visible, and you failed to avoid it.
Our attorneys understand these tactics — and we know how to counter them. We build solid, evidence-based cases to protect your right to compensation.
Damages You May Recover
If you were injured due to unsafe property conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and loss of earning potential
Rehabilitation and therapy
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died due to negligence)
Every case is unique. We’ll evaluate your injuries and fight for the maximum recovery possible under Alabama law.
What to Do After a Premises Injury
Taking the right steps immediately after an injury can make or break your case:
Get medical attention immediately. Even if you think you’re fine, documentation is key.
Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
Take photos or videos of the scene and the hazard that caused your injury.
Collect witness names and contact information.
Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.
Contact a premises liability attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
Free Consultation — Talk to a Guntersville Premises Liability Lawyer
If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Guntersville Law, LLC, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review your case and explain your legal options.
During your consultation, you will:
Speak directly with attorney Paul A. Seckel or Emily Jolley Seckel
Receive an honest evaluation of your claim
Learn what compensation you may be entitled to
Get guidance on the next steps — all at no cost to you
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
📞 Call 256-571-1529 or request your free consultation online today.
Serving Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, Boaz, Marshall County, and all of North Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions About Premises Liability in Alabama
1. What is premises liability?
Premises liability is the legal concept that holds property owners responsible when unsafe or negligent property conditions cause injury to others.
2. How long do I have to file a premises liability claim in Alabama?
You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly so evidence can be preserved and your rights protected.
3. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Alabama’s contributory negligence rule is strict — if you’re found even slightly at fault, you may be barred from recovery. An attorney can help prove that the property owner was entirely responsible.
4. What if my injury happened at a store or public place?
You may still have a valid claim. Businesses and municipalities are legally obligated to keep their premises safe for customers and the public.
5. What compensation can I receive for a premises liability claim?
You may recover damages for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term disability.
6. How much does it cost to hire your firm?
There is no upfront cost. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
7. Why should I choose Guntersville Law, LLC?
Our attorneys combine decades of experience, deep knowledge of Alabama law, and genuine compassion for our clients. Paul A. Seckel (JD, MBA) brings analytical and negotiation skills from both his legal and business backgrounds — ensuring each case receives thoughtful, strategic advocacy.