What is a social guest in the state of Oregon?
A social guest is someone who is on another’s property, with permission, for a social, or non-business related, reason. A property owner owes a social guest the duty to not negligently injure them. Such a duty involves avoiding injuries through willful actions and also warning the guest of any known dangers on the property, such as broken steps or a hole in the floor.
If you can prove that business/property owner is liable for your injuries, then you are entitled to have your medical bills reimbursed and to receive non-economic damages for your pain and suffering. If you lost work as a result of the fall, you would also be entitled to either wage loss or lost earning capacity. If the business/property owner did something to intentionally cause you to trip and fall, then you might also be entitled to punitive damages. Unfortunately, pursuant to ORS 31.375, 70% of all sums specifically designated as punitive damages shall be paid to the State of Oregon. Insurance companies obviously have a fantastic lobby here in the state of Oregon.
If you believe that you may have a trip and fall case for which you are eligible or if you would like a consultation to determine if your case is worth pursuing, call the Clark Law and Associates, L.L.C. at (503) 238-1010.