Lawyers like to use fancy words – “premises liability” is one such example. In its simplest term, premises liability is the area of law that addresses personal injury claims when a person gets hurt on someone else’s property.

While not every injury is the fault of the property owner or manager, they do have a duty to keep their property, building, or home safe for visitors, guests, and customers. This duty includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that their premises are free from hazards that could cause injury. Most people have heard of slip and fall cases which are common premises liability lawsuits. However, there are many other scenarios that would fall under this area of law.

Examples may include:

• Unsafe structural conditions such as a deck collapse or broken stair handles.
• Overgrown bushes, roots, and other vegetation causing obstacles.
• “Attractive Nuisances” to children including swimming pools or discarded debris (like a refrigerator).
• Injuries resulting from poor lighting, inadequate security, or building code violations.

As you can see, it is not just about “slip & falls.” There are plenty of other scenarios where property owners or managers failed in their duty to protect others.

If you have been injured on somebody else’s property, give us a call. We will investigate and determine if you have a potential premises liability case.