Premises Liability Attorney Overview
Lawyer Representation for Injuries on Other People's Property
When someone is injured while using another person's property, and the injury was caused by the negligence of the property owner or tenant, the injured party may be able to pursue compensation for their damages. This is known as premises liability, since property owners may be held liable for injuries which occurred on their premises.
If you have been injured while on someone else's property, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the injury, demonstrate that the property owner was liable for the injury, and help you receive financial compensation for the harm that was done to you.
Common Premises Liability Cases
Each state has its own laws related to premises liability, but they typically recognize that property owners, or the tenants in control of the property, owe a duty of care to the people who are allowed to enter the property. Violations of this duty of care can result in injuries, including:
- Dog bites - A person who fails to restrain a dog or other animal that attacks and injures someone may be held liable for the injuries that were caused. It is important to understand state laws regarding animal attacks, since animal owners' responsibilities can vary from state to state.
- Slip and fall accidents - Wet floors, icy sidewalks, damaged staircases, or tripping hazards can lead to injuries for which a property owner may be held responsible.
- Dangerous or defective playgrounds - Playground equipment is expected to meet certain safety standards, and damaged or defective equipment can cause serious injuries to children. In these cases, a lawsuit may be brought against a property owner (such as a school, daycare center, municipality, or park district) who did not take steps to repair or replace damaged equipment or against the manufacturer of a defective product.
- Construction accidents - While injuries at construction sites often involve workers, people such as visitors or pedestrians may also suffer injuries from falling objects or unsecured hazards. In these cases, the liable party may be a property owner, construction company, or contractor.
- Amusement park injuries - The patrons of amusement parks may be injured because of defective or improperly maintained rides, failure to provide safety warnings, or inadequate security.
- Swimming pool injuries - A property owner may be held responsible if someone was injured because they did not take proper safety measures at a pool, such as failing to provide lifeguards at a public pool or failing to take steps to protect children from drowning in a private pool.
- Improper security - A person may be injured because a property owner did not meet their responsibility to protect them from danger, such as by failing to use security guards at a bar or nightclub or not providing proper lighting in a parking lot.
In premises liability cases, a skilled attorney can help an injured party demonstrate that a property owner failed to meet their duty of care, and this failure was the cause of the injuries. A lawyer can help recover compensation for damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
