When someone is on a property owned by another person, they generally have an expectation of safety. Someone who goes grocery shopping doesn’t expect to slip and fall, suffering serious injuries as a result. Those who are visiting an office don’t expect a fire due to electrical issues to cause injuries or other damages. Yet, these issues do happen. When they do, they’re considered premises liability claims, cases and victims may be able to obtain compensation for any injuries or damages.
What is Premises Liability claims?
Premises liability covers cases where the owner of a property had a duty of care to those entering the property, yet through negligence did not uphold the standard of care visitors are owed. These cases cover a wide range of situations, including everything from slip and fall injuries to chemical exposures. Those who are injured due to the negligence of a property owner or business can work with a lawyer like those at LAWBOSS.COM to get more information and work to obtain compensation for the injuries.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
There are a number of premises liability cases. Some of the most common include the following.
- Slip and Fall. Slip and fall accidents can occur when someone slips on a liquid that wasn’t cleaned in time or trips and falls in a store for another reason. These cases can lead to serious injuries, especially if the person is older or hits their head when they fall.
- Lack of Security. If there is insufficient security for a building and someone is attacked or robbed, it could fall under premises liability. This is especially the case if the incident has occurred in the past and no extra security was added.
- Toxic Chemical Exposure. Lack of upkeep on a building or proper safety measures can lead to toxic chemical exposures, such as exposures to carbon monoxide. The building owner may be liable for injuries sustained by anyone as a result of their negligence.
- Electrical Injuries or Damages. Also from lack of upkeep, electrical issues like a faulty outlet can lead to serious injuries or to significant damages if there is a fire. If the owner of the building did not repair the issues after finding out about them, they could be held liable for the injuries or damages.
Proving Negligence Occurred
In premises liability cases, it is crucial to prove that negligence did occur. Accidents do happen, and they aren’t anyone’s fault. Yet, if someone had the ability to take action to prevent an accident and did not do so, it could be considered negligence. Evidence of negligence can vary from case to case but may include information from previous cases against the liable party, evidence that proper protocol wasn’t followed, or evidence that safety issues were ignored.
Obtaining Compensation for the Incident
If the liable party is found to be negligent, they may owe compensation to the victim or victims. The amount of compensation does vary based on the extent of any injuries or damages. Victims can work with a lawyer to find out how much compensation they can receive and to make sure they are able to recover the compensation they are owed.
When someone fails to act to prevent injuries or damages, it can be considered negligence. If someone visiting the property is injured as a result, it could become a premises liability case. Anyone who has been injured in a situation like this can speak with a lawyer to find out if they have a case.
