Premises Liability

Property owners have a unique obligation under the law to ensure the safety of anyone who could venture onto their premises. Even if the people were not expressly invited, they could still suffer an injury for which the property owner would be held legally liable. You can protect your own interests by learning what premises liability is and how it is dealt with under the law today.

What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is the legal obligation a property owner has to keep visitors to the property safe at all times. Keeping people safe from harm on the property calls for the property owner to keep the premises in a reasonable, organized, and clean condition regardless of the time of year or circumstances surrounding the property itself.

If a visitor gets hurt while on the property, the owner is legally responsible for the damages to the person’s body as well as resulting expenses like medical costs and lost wages. The property owner could find himself or herself subject to legal action like a lawsuit.

Because premises liability is covered under the law in every state, it is important for people to know what types of accidents could be subject to legal action court. People who own property or those who have been hurt while visiting the property of another person can protect their best interests by knowing what types of accidents typically invite this kind of response.

Examples of Premises Liability Injuries

A person could file a lawsuit or take other legal action against a property owner if he or she (or in some cases, a loved one) has suffered any of these common premises liability injuries or accidents:

• Slip and fall accident
• Dog or animal bites
• Burns
• Cuts or wounds
• Fractures
• Muscle sprains or strains
• Concussion
• Deep muscle bruises
• Amputation
• Premature death

Depending on the circumstances of the injury or accident, the affected person could have reason to file a lawsuit against the property owner and pursue a settlement or legal damages in court.

Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit

If you have been hurt while visiting the property of another person, you could have a legal basis to file a lawsuit against the property owner. Before you take legal action, you may want to hire an attorney to represent you. The attorney can prove the liability of the property owner and establish the fact that you are a victim who is not responsible for the injury you have suffered.

Your attorney will also know what types of damages to pursue in court. If necessary, he or she can negotiate and accept a settlement on your behalf that will cover expenses like lost wages, medical costs, and emotional and physical suffering.

If anyone gets hurt on property belonging to another, the owner could be subject to a lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer can decide what type of lawsuit to file and for what damages to pursue in court.