Although slip-and-falls are unarguably among the most common types of premises liability claims that are filed against companies by patrons and visitors, they are far from the only scenario in which a business may be liable for the injuries suffered by individuals who are present on their property at the time that they sustain harm.
There are actually many different kinds of mistakes that property owners could make that could potentially lead to premises liability concerns.
When are businesses responsible for visitor injuries?
Companies and landlords often have some degree of legal and financial responsibility for what happens on their property. If visitors get hurt, claims of premises liability might trigger expensive insurance payouts or possibly even civil lawsuits.
In most premises liability claims, the crux of the legal matter will be whether or not the business did something negligent. Negligence can come in infinite different forms, ranging from not cleaning up a spill to not replacing a burned-out light bulb. Understaffing is also a form of negligence if a company can’t keep its premises safe for visitors.
Essentially, any decisions made by the business that a reasonable person would agree was unsafe for the public might lead to premises liability claims. Examples of scenarios that could lead to premises liability lawsuits or insurance claims include:
- dog bites
- unlit parking lots
- negligent security leading to crime
- falling items in a store
- dangerous stairway conditions
- ceiling collapses
- unsafe floors
- toxic exposure
- dangerous sidewalks
Those harmed on another party’s property often need to look carefully at the situation to see if premises liability rules may apply.
Poor property maintenance can lead to many injuries
Negligent security, unsafe property conditions and many other mistakes made by businesses and landowners could lead to unnecessary risk and injury for visitors. Those who have medical expenses, property damage expenses or lost wages stemming from an incident on someone else’s property that they believe was the result of negligence may have grounds for a compensation claim.
Expanding one’s definition of premises liability can help those who have recently been hurt while on someone else’s property understand that they may have grounds upon which to take legal action with the assistance of an experienced legal professional.