When a person is injured on another person’s property as a result of the property owner’s negligence or failure to make sure their property is safe, the injured person may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit against the property owner for any injuries suffered. Generally, a successful premises liability claim requires a plaintiff to prove that the property owner was negligent in their maintenance of the property and failed to use reasonable care to protect its patrons, guests or other persons with a right to be on the property from danger and harm. Our friends at Mossing & Navarre, LLC explore the different types of accidents which fall under the premises liability category below.
Property Defects
When an owner’s property does not operate or function the way it should and therefore creates a danger to those using the premises, an accident resulting in personal injury can occur. Safety hazards and structural hazards can exist on a person’s property which can lead to injury. Examples can include uneven flooring, lifted or torn carpets, defective or missing steps in stairways and other similar defects which can cause those visiting the property to become injured. An owner is responsible for correcting any defective property conditions and/or warning visitors about the property defects to prevent others from getting hurt. In general, a property owner has a legal duty to make sure their premises are maintained in a safe condition and must take reasonable steps to avoid harm to any persons visiting their property.
Slip And Fall
Another accident which falls under the premises liability category are slip and falls. This can occur when a person unexpectedly trips, loses their footing and/or balance and falls as a result of something on the ground that should not otherwise be there. This can happen due to slipping on ice that has not been removed, wet floors that have not been maintained or cleaned, or even uneven walkways or sidewalks that have been poorly maintained. When a person is injured due to a slip and fall, they must prove that the defendant property owner created the condition which caused them to slip and fall or that the defendant property knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but failed to take reasonable steps to correct it.
Negligent Security
Injuries which occur due to a property owner’s failure to maintain adequate security can also lead to a premises liability claim. Inadequate or lack of proper security in certain properties can result in physical assault, robberies, or other injuries. Common examples of inadequate security can include inadequate lighting, lack of security cameras or security guards, or even failure to secure a building with a locked entrance.
Call An Experienced Lawyer Today
Premises liability accidents can take place in a variety of settings including but not limited to retail stores, office or residential buildings, grocery stores, parking lots, restaurants, amusement parks and even other homes. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dangerous condition on another person’s property and are looking to hold the property owner liable for your damages, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the details of your potential case.
