Property owners have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors, customers, tenants, and other people who have a legal right to be there. When unsafe conditions cause someone to get hurt, the resulting claim may fall under premises liability law.
Premises liability injuries can happen in many different ways, from a slip and fall in a store to an injury caused by inadequate security. Understanding how these accidents happen can help injured individuals recognize when they may have a legal claim.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability cases. They can occur when a property owner or manager fails to address a hazardous condition.
Common causes include:
Wet or slippery floors
Spills that are not cleaned up
Uneven flooring or pavement
Cracked sidewalks
Loose rugs or mats
Poorly maintained parking lots
Debris or objects left in walkways
A fall can result in anything from minor bruising to serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, back injuries, and damage to muscles or ligaments.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Not every fall involves a slippery surface. Trip and fall accidents can occur when there is an unexpected change in elevation or an obstruction in an area where people are expected to walk.
Broken sidewalks, potholes, exposed wiring, damaged stairs, and poorly maintained walkways can all create dangerous conditions. In some situations, inadequate lighting can make these hazards even more difficult to see.
Stairway and Escalator Injuries
Stairs can become dangerous when they are poorly maintained or improperly designed. Missing or damaged handrails, broken steps, inadequate lighting, and slippery surfaces can contribute to serious falls.
Escalators and elevators can also cause injuries when they are defective or improperly maintained. Depending on the circumstances, determining who may be responsible can require a careful investigation of the property, maintenance records, and other evidence.
Injuries Caused by Falling Objects
Property visitors can also be injured by objects that fall from shelves, ceilings, construction areas, or other elevated locations.
For example, merchandise that has been improperly stacked in a store could fall onto a customer. Construction materials or other unsecured objects could also pose a danger to people below. These accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, cuts, and other serious harm.
Inadequate Security Injuries
Premises liability can extend beyond physical property conditions. In certain circumstances, property owners or managers may have a responsibility to take reasonable security measures when there is a foreseeable risk of criminal activity.
Inadequate lighting, broken security gates, malfunctioning locks, or a lack of appropriate security measures may contribute to an assault or other injury. These cases can be complex because liability depends on the specific circumstances and the legal duties involved.
What Should You Do After a Premises Liability Injury?
If you are injured on someone else’s property, seek medical attention and document what happened as soon as possible. If you are able, take photographs of the hazardous condition and the surrounding area. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and other documentation related to your injury.
It is also important to report the incident to the property owner, manager, or responsible party and obtain a copy of any incident report.
A premises liability claim may depend on evidence showing what caused the accident, whether the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, and whether reasonable steps were taken to address it.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured because of an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, Nicholson Revell can help you understand your legal options. A premises liability case may involve gathering evidence, determining who was responsible, and pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Nicholson Revell to discuss your injury and learn more about your potential premises liability claim.
