Premises liability is a legal area holding property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries on their property due to hazardous conditions or other defects. The idea behind premises liability is that property owners and occupiers must ensure their premises are safe for visitors and guests. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for your injuries.
Where Does Premises Liability Apply?
Premises liability can apply to many properties, including private homes, businesses, public parks, and government buildings. As a result, property owners and occupiers must regularly inspect their properties for hazardous conditions, such as uneven flooring, wet surfaces, or defective equipment. They must also take steps to repair or warn visitors about any hazards they discover.
What Are the Most Common Premises Liability Injuries?
Premises liability cases usually include slip and falls, dog bites, injuries caused by falling objects, and accidents resulting from inadequate security measures.
The most common injuries you could suffer in a premises liability accident include:
- Slip and Fall Injuries: Broken bones, sprains, strains, or other injuries are common if you slip on a wet surface, uneven flooring, or other hazards.
- Head Injuries: You can suffer head injuries if you fall or are struck by a falling object. These injuries can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Back and Spinal Cord Injuries: One may suffer back or spinal cord injuries if one falls or is struck by a heavy object. These injuries can result in chronic pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.
- Cuts and Lacerations: Cuts and lacerations are extremely common, especially if you are struck by sharp or broken objects or fall on glass or other sharp debris.
- Burns: If you come into contact with hot surfaces or chemicals on the property, you can suffer burns to various degrees.
- Electrocution: If you come into contact with faulty electrical systems or exposed wires, electrocution injuries can make a legal case.
These injuries can be serious and life-altering, and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, if you have been injured in a premises liability accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and speak with a premises liability attorney to understand your legal options for recovering compensation. The specific legal standards for premises liability may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case.
What to Do If You Were Injured on Someone’s Property
You could file a premises liability lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries. To do so, you must show that the property owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining the property and that this negligence was the direct cause of your injuries. You must get help from a personal injury lawyer, who can provide more information on the specific requirements and procedures for pursuing a premises liability claim. Moreover, a specialized attorney can guide you through the legal process and obtain compensation on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Get for Your Injuries in a Premises Liability Case?
If you were injured on someone’s property, the first thing on your mind should be immediate medical treatment. Your attorney will ensure all expenses become part of your claim or lawsuit. Medical costs related to the accident can be compensated. They can include emergency room visits, doctor’s care, medications, and hospital bills. If your injuries were not visible at first but later resulted in future medical care due to complications, your lawyer will also seek damages for them.
However, medical bills are not the only damages available in premises liability cases. Let’s see some more!
1. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering include physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish. In most premises liability cases, one must prove that negligence caused the injury. Moreover, your attorney could also make a case for your scars and disfigurement – accident consequences with far-reaching effects on your life, as they cause more than just physical pain/discomfort but also emotional trauma.
2. Disability and Lost Wages
Physical injuries can make it difficult for victims to return to their jobs or normal daily lives. In some instances, a disabling injury may result in the inability to work and, thus, a wage loss. If your claim is successful, you will be compensated for the loss of income. You can also recover damages for expenses related to your temporary or permanent disability.
3. Property Damage
In a premises liability lawsuit, property damage refers to any physical damage caused to the victim’s personal property due to the property owner’s negligence. For example, if a customer’s car is damaged due to a hazardous condition in a parking lot, they may be able to sue for the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle. Similarly, if a fire or flood on the property damages a tenant’s personal belongings, they may seek compensation for the value of the lost or damaged items.
Conclusion
The above information is a general overview of premises liability. However, you need to understand the specific circumstances of your case and contact a personal injury attorney. They have experience handling all types of premises liability cases and can even help you if you cannot work due to your injuries. They can also help you understand your rights as an injury victim and work hard to ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
