Premises liability cases are quite broad, and therefore can be confusing to some people as for what they entail. While a premises liability case can be a personal injury related to a slip and fall accident, it can also be a personal injury related to animals’ bites, or inadequate property maintenance, and more.
In general terms, a premises liability lawsuit is a personal injury case in which the injury was caused or due to the fault of another person or institution via negligence or unsafe circumstances. In said cases, it is vital that one have an experienced lawyer at their side to help them prove that the property owner was negligent in regard to the ownership or maintenance of their property on which the incident occurred. There are certain premises liability cases that a personal injury lawyer will see much more commonly though, and they usually are one of the following:
1. Slip and fall cases
Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common premises liability cases that occur. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, falls are responsible for over 8 million emergency room visits each year in the United States. If the victim slips and falls on the property due to negligence or failure to maintain a property via the owner, that owner can be held responsible for the injury and medical expenses that result due to the accident. If the owner can be proven guilty of this negligence, only then can the victim win the case.
2. Dog and other animal bites
The majority of dog and animal bite cases are won by the victim. In most cases, an owner is held responsible for the victim’s injuries and medical expenses. There are a few scenarios in which the defendant will have a case, including:
• The bite victim was illegally entering the owner’s property
• The dog was defending itself or another human from violent offenses
• The percentage of the total award is able to be reduced by the amount of fault the victim is held responsible for
3. Inadequate property maintenance
It is a requirement of property owners that they manage their property accordingly, in a way that will not cause harm to others or put them at risk for any injuries. These types of cases often include victims being injured via uneven surfaces, lack of maintenance on a property, construction that does not meet legal requirements, etc.
4. Fires
Buildings have certain requirements to meet fire safety standards. There are codes to be followed and certain measures to be implemented in the case of a fire in order to assist those visiting in their escape.
5. Escalator and elevator accidents
Escalators and elevators require regular maintenance. If they are not regularly maintained and an accident occurs due to this neglect, the victim can hold the owner of the property responsible for the medical and other financial losses that come as a result.
Premises liability accidents can be quite complicated. In order to receive a fair trial and obtain the compensation you deserve as a result of another’s negligence, you will need an experienced premises liability attorney to help you. Here at Rad Law Firm, our team of caring and highly recommended legal experts can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.