Common causes of premises liability cases

Premises liability entails holding property owners legally accountable for accidents and injuries that happen on their premises due to their negligence. While many of these instances are slips and falls, premises liability covers a wide array of incidents. Knowing what they are can help you recognize when you have a case.

You may be able to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and permanent disability. Speak to a personal injury attorney to review your options if you experience any of the following types of premises liability.

Building code violations

Buildings must follow specific codes to ensure their safety for occupants. Regulations include:

  • Proper design and implementation
  • Safe location and materials
  • Quality workmanship and maintenance
  • Safety features, such as smoke alarms

Violations lead to harm such as persons tripping on uneven walkways, objects falling onto passersby, structures collapsing and wiring starting fires. 

Poor lighting

Light is necessary for proper vision so you do not trip over hazards, miss stairs or become susceptible to suffering crimes such as robbery or sexual assault. Sufficient lighting is especially important in stairwells, where it is easy to fall and sustain injury or to find yourself alone with someone who means you harm.

Inadequate security

When you visit public places, you expect a certain level of security to prevent accidents and criminal activity. Security measures may include using video cameras, trimming greenery and hiring guards when needed. Without these, disasters such as attacks and riots are likelier to occur, whether you are staying at a hotel, waiting for public transportation or attending a stadium event.

Drownings

It may not be summertime, but many patrons still enjoy swimming at hotels, the Y and friends’ homes year-round. Some may go out on the lake. Either way, wherever there is water, the risk of drowning is present, too. An accident may be the fault of negligent owners, a defective life jacket or poorly trained life guards. 

Animal bites

Dogs and other domesticated animals may attack and bite you, leading to high medical bills and lasting injury. Pet owners are responsible for training and securing their animals to prevent such incidents.

Premises liability entails holding property owners legally accountable for accidents and injuries that happen on their premises due to their negligence. While many of these instances are slips and falls, premises liability covers a wide array of incidents. Knowing what they are can help you recognize when you have a case.

You may be able to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and permanent disability. Speak to a personal injury attorney to review your options if you experience any of the following types of premises liability.