Premises Liability

Premises liability can be thought of as a subset of personal injury law — but specifically involves injuries and/or deaths that take place on the property (premises) owned by an individual person or an entity such as a business or governmental agency.

The owners of private and commercial properties and other premises where the public is invited have a legal duty to maintain the premises according to accepted safety standards. When the owner is negligent in keeping the property safe, injuries may occur, and the injured party has the option to take legal action against the property owner.

Many Types of Injury

The conditions on the premises that can lead to the owners' liability (i.e., legal responsibility for the injury) include problems such as an unsafe building, sidewalk, stairs, balcony, etc.; a bridge that collapses; inadequate security on the property; an animal that attacks; and a variety of other scenarios. The most common examples of premises liability cases are:

A slip and fall
Being hit by a falling object
Dog bite
Fire
Sexual assault, made possible by inadequate security

In some premises liability cases, the cause of the injury is very clear. In other cases, the causation must be proved. If a settlement between the plaintiff and defendant is not reached and a trial must be held, it may be necessary to have expert witnesses in court— such as a safety engineer, architect, industrial hygienist, or property management expert—to testify regarding the cause of the plaintiff's injury.

Private and Public Places

Premises liability cases may involve injuries that occur at:

Private residences
Retail stores
Shopping malls
Supermarkets
Schools
Parks
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs
Hotels and motels
Parking lots, parking garages and ramps
Stadiums
Amusement parks

Compensation for Injuries

In successful personal injury and premises liability cases, a person may be compensated for their losses. Recoverable losses often include:

Medical care
Rehabilitation costs
Funeral and burial costs, in cases of death
Loss of companionship and support when there is a death
Lost wages or earning capacity
Pain and suffering

Contact a Premises Liability Attorney for Help

When a serious injury or death occurs on the premises of an individual, business or government entity, the injured party has legal recourse. Contact a premises liability lawyer today for a free, private consultation to discuss your circumstances — your legal rights and options will be explained.

Online Lawyer Source

Lawyers & Legal News Near You

Need Legal Help?

Start Here for a Free Case Review!

Premises Liability

Find a Lawyer in Your State

Need Help?

Premises Liability

Other Areas of Personal Injury