Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds the property owner of a building liable when a guest, patron, or customer is injured on their property. The truth is that hazardous conditions, such as slippery floors or uneven floorboards, can cause serious injuries.
In such cases, victims can turn to reliable Cincinnati premises liability attorneys to hold the relevant party responsible for their part.
Understanding Premises Liability Law
As discussed already, premises liability law is designed to hold property owners accountable for injuries sustained on their properties as a result of negligence or dangerous conditions.
Property owners have a duty of care to customers and guests, which requires them to keep their place of business reasonably safe. Key parts of premises liability include proving that there was a breach of duty, that this breach is what caused the accident, and that this, in turn, resulted in damages.
Slip and fall incidents, insufficient security measures, and injuries caused by inadequately maintained facilities are all common examples.
This legal structure permits people who have been hurt on another person's property to go after compensation for healthcare costs, lost wages, and other losses caused by the negligence of the property owner.
Navigating the Different Types of Premises Liability Claims
There are different types of premises liability cases, and understanding them is important for those who intend to pursue compensation.
Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lots are hotspots for injuries. With both people and cars moving around, it can be a dangerous environment. Potholes in the parking lot, poor visibility, lack of security, and more can lead to these accidents.
Slip-and-fall Accidents
These premises liability accidents are undoubtedly one of the most prevalent. They can occur because of slippery surfaces, poor lighting, damaged flooring, and more.
Hotel Accidents
Premises liability occurs in hotels, too. Whether because of inadequate security in a pool area, damaged facilities, or poor maintenance, victims can file premises liability lawsuits to recover damages caused by such incidents.
Dog Bites
Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that their canine companions do not cause harm to another person who enters their property (unless done so illegally). Failing to provide this duty of care could result in the individual having to provide compensation to the injured victim.
Work-related Incidents
Workplace and construction accidents also form part of premises liability. If a company fails to provide a safe working environment, it can be held responsible in a personal injury case.
How Prevalent Is Premises Liability?
More than 33,000 people died as a result of injuries sustained in slip-and-fall accidents in 2015. The reality is that such accidents are the most prevalent cause of injuries, primarily resulting in brain damage.
There are just about 250,000 accidents every year, and roughly 20 to 30 percent of them cause injuries. However, the reality is that the true number is likely far higher. Many people who are injured do not go to a physician for treatment, and even fewer seek compensation by following the legal process.
Although retail businesses account for about 60 percent of all slip-and-fall accidents, the bulk of deaths occur at home. Every year, more than 100 people are killed as a result of falling trees and branches, as well as other landscape-related challenges.
In the legal field, one out of every 10 lawsuits involves premises liability. Victims of such incidents receive over $4 billion every year, although only six percent of cases involve punitive penalties.
What Are the Most Common Premises Liability Injuries
Without further ado, here are the most common types of premises liability injuries:
Head Injuries
The truth is that slipping and falling on someone else's property can result in head injuries. As the victim falls, they can hit their head on nearby objects, resulting in brain damage.
Broken Bones and Fractures
As the person tries to break their fall, they can put their limbs in awkward positions, resulting in fractures or broken bones.
Spinal Cord and Back Injuries
A premises liability accident can also result in spinal cord and back injuries, depending on how the person falls.
Cuts and Lacerations
Victims can cut themselves on nearby objects or suffer cuts and lacerations during dog bites. These can vary in severity.
Drowning
If there is inadequate security, lighting, or facilities available, it could result in a guest drowning in the pool.
Sprains and Dislocations
These injuries are also common when a person moves suddenly and breaks their fall with a limb. Shoulders, ankles, and wrists are common joints that suffer such injuries.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Lastly, soft tissue injuries are common in premises liability cases. They generally occur because of impact and can create a number of complications.
Holding Property Owners Liable
Those who think that they might have a premises liability case should get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. Such injuries can change a person's life, and because they are often left unable to work, seeking compensation becomes crucial.
Moreover, filing a lawsuit for a premises liability injury is important, as it can hold the property owner responsible and help prevent other people from suffering a similar fate.
However, keep in mind that businesses often have robust legal teams, so victims must ensure that they seek experienced legal representation to improve their chances of a successful claim.
Need Help with a Premises Liability Claim?
The truth is that slip and fall accidents, among others, that occur on properties around the United States can be life-changing. While most people picture a grazed knee or scuffed elbow, these injuries can be serious and even fatal. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also hep with questions like What is the difference between premises and general liability?
With the help of a reliable premises liability lawyer from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, claimants can ensure that they receive the compensation they are rightly due to cover the cost of their recovery and lost wages.
Victims are encouraged to get in touch with the firm to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and case review to discuss the details of their case.