Premises liability is an area of law that holds property owners accountable for unsafe conditions which cause preventable harm. Under these laws, property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable measures in ensuring the safety of their premises. When they know or should have known about potential hazards, but did nothing to address them, visitors or guests who suffer harm as a result of those unaddressed dangers may be able to hold property owners accountable for their failures and liable for the injuries and damages they suffer.
Because premises liability laws can apply to a range of situations and circumstances, these cases are varied and have included many different types of accidents and injuries. Some of the most common include:
Broken bones – Broken bones and fractures are among the most common types of injuries involved in premises liability claims. Often, they result from slip and fall accidents in which property owners failed to address potential hazards, or from certain activities where property owners did not provide adequate supervision.
Musculoskeletal injuries – Injuries to the body’s soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles are also common in premises liability claims, often because they stem from slips and falls. These types of injuries may also be caused by dog bites and fires.
Head injuries – Victims of premises liability accidents may suffer traumatic brain injuries during slip and fall accidents or as a result of falling objects. Property owners are required to address any risks of falling objects, including tools during construction, to reduce risks of these accidents, and they can be held liable when they fail to do so.
Swimming pool injuries – Owners of swimming pools, including private and public pools, need to ensure the safety of visitors and guests through adequate supervision and maintenance of their pool areas. Failures to uphold this obligation can result in various injuries, including drowning and near-drowning injuries, broken bones caused by slips and falls, and even head injuries from diving accidents.
Toxic exposure injuries – Exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals while on another’s premises can result in serious illnesses and injuries. Common examples include lead poisoning, exposure to mold, exposure to asbestos, and exposure to other harmful substances.
Whatever your injuries may be, it is important to understand your rights as a victim. If these injuries result from the negligence of property owners, you may be able to pursue compensation for your damages (including your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses) by pursuing a personal injury claim against the premises owner.