Property owners are legally and ethically bound to ensure their area is safe, especially property used by the public. The accidents arising from unsafe property conditions can range from a bruised knee to wrongful death. These accidents can often lead to severe injuries and costly medical bills.

Premises liability is the area of law that holds a property owner or occupier responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to negligent maintenance or other conditions. It’s important to understand your rights regarding premises liability claims so you can be prepared.

Here are typical examples of premises liability accidents:

Slip and Falls

Slip and falls are one of the most common type of premises liability claims. They can occur on any property, but are most common in places like grocery stores, restaurants, and parking lots where there is a lot of foot traffic. Just as the name suggests, a slip and fall occurs when there is a wet or uneven surface, a blocked path, or even poor lighting causing someone to fall and injure themselves.

Dog Bites or Animal Attacks

Dog bites and animal attacks can occur anywhere, but they are especially common on residential properties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, one in five requires medical attention for the injury.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pools can be a fun summer activity, but they also come with risks and can be dangerous if not properly maintained. In the case of a public pool, property owners should try to ensure proper supervision and no children are unattended. The areas around pools are often wet. This can cause a dangerous combination if someone were to slip and fall into the pool.

Sexual Assault Due To Inadequate Security

In these cases, the property owner or manager may be held liable for the victim’s injuries if it can be shown that they were aware of the potential for such an attack and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. For example, suppose a woman is assaulted in a parking garage that does not have adequate lighting or security cameras. In that case, she may have grounds for a premises liability claim against the property owner.

There are many other types of premises liability accidents, including amusement park accidents, hotel accidents, and restaurant accidents. In order to succeed in a premises liability claim, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed them a duty of care, that the defendant breached this duty, and that the breach of duty was the cause of their injury. A qualified attorney will be able to take a look at the facts of your case and guide you as to the best course of action. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait! Seek medical attention and speak to an attorney immediately.