What Is a Premises Liability Claim?
Premises liability is a legal claim against a property owner or occupier for injuries or damages that occur on their property due to a dangerous or hazardous condition. Such conditions may include slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven walkways, or inadequate warning signs.
If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property due to negligence, you have a right to file a premises liability lawsuit against them seeking compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of premises liability cases and offer tips on protecting yourself from negligence.
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability cases. These accidents occur when property owners or landlords fail to maintain their premises in a safe condition, resulting in slippery floors, uneven walkways, broken stairs, or inadequate lighting. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries such as:
broken bones,
bruises,
lacerations,
concussions, and
spinal cord injuries.
To protect yourself from slip and fall accidents, always watch where you are going, avoid wearing high heels, sandals, or shoes with worn treads on slippery floors, and be aware of wet or uneven surfaces. If you notice any hazardous conditions, such as spills, debris, or broken steps, report them immediately to the property owner or landlord.
2. Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can occur when property owners or landlords fail to take proper precautions to prevent their dogs from attacking visitors. For instance, property owners should cordon off their dog from guests if they are aggressive and warn their guests about behaviors or actions to avoid.
If you suffer a dog bite on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. To protect yourself from dog attacks, always be aware of your surroundings and avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs. If a dog appears aggressive or is off leash, avoid it and report it to the property owner or landlord.
3. Inadequate (or Negligent) Security
Property owners and landlords have a duty to provide adequate security measures to protect visitors from criminal activity such as assault, robbery, or battery. If a visitor is injured due to inadequate security, the property owner or landlord may be held liable.
To protect yourself from inadequate security, avoid walking alone in dark or remote areas, and be aware of your surroundings. When visiting properties, also take note of their security measures to determine whether the property is safe. If you notice any suspicious activity or inadequate security measures, report them immediately to the property owner or landlord.
4. Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can occur when property owners or landlords fail to take proper precautions to prevent drowning, slip and falls or other accidents. To protect yourself from swimming pool accidents, always supervise children in or near swimming pools, avoid diving in shallow water, and do not swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Toxic Exposure
Toxic exposure can occur when property owners or landlords fail to properly maintain their premises, resulting in the release of hazardous substances such as asbestos or mold. Toxic exposure can result in serious health conditions such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other respiratory problems.
To protect yourself from toxic exposure, always wear personal protective equipment when working in areas where hazardous substances may be present and report any suspected cases of toxic exposure to the property owner or landlord.
Get Legal Help
At Zayas Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us a penny. You can trust our attorneys to help you make informed case decisions and achieve the best possible case results.
Call (860) 854-9156 to learn more about how our premises liability attorneys can help you.