NEGLIGENT PROPERTY OWNERS: HOW THEY PUT YOU AT RISK AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
As you walk through a store or stroll down the sidewalk, you expect to be safe from harm. However, when property owners fail to maintain their premises properly, they put others at risk of injury or worse. Negligence can come in many forms, such as slippery floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or faulty equipment. In this blog post, we’ll explore common examples of negligence that occur on properties, your rights as a victim, how to prove fault in a premises’ liability case, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
Identifying A Negligent Property Owner
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors, customers, tenants, or anyone else who may enter their property. When they neglect this responsibility, it puts everyone at risk. Common examples of negligence include:
- Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors, torn carpeting, or uneven surfaces.
- Trip hazards caused by objects left lying around or poorly stored items.
- Faulty electrical wiring or lack of adequate lighting.
- Broken or uneven stairs, railings, or banisters that pose a fall hazard.
- Unsecured swimming pools or hot tubs that could lead to drowning accidents.
These are just some examples of ways property owners can be negligent. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property, it’s essential to understand your legal options.
Common Examples of Negligence on Properties
In addition to the above examples, there are other types of negligence that can occur on properties. For instance, if a property owner knows about a dangerous condition but fails to warn visitors or fix the problem, they may be held liable for any injuries that result. Similarly, if a property owner creates a hazardous situation, such as a spill or obstruction, and doesn’t correct it promptly, they may be found negligent.
Understanding Your Rights as a Victim
If you’re hurt on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the property owner. The specific laws vary depending on where you live, but generally speaking, you must establish that the property owner was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. This requires proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the danger but failed to address it or warn about it in a timely manner.
How to Prove Fault in a Premises Liability Case
Proving fault in a premises liability case can be challenging, which is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced attorney. To build a strong case, your lawyer will need to gather evidence such as photographs of the scene, conduct measurements of any dangerous condition, secure witness statements, provide medical records that substantiated one’s injuries, and in most cases hire the right experts to provide testimony on your behalf. They may also hire investigators to determine whether the property owner had prior similar claims, violation of any health and safety codes or industry standards.
Final Thoughts To Establish a Negligent Property Owner
Being seriously injured on someone else’s property can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. In most incidents the injured party has been hospitalized or severely injured which prevents them from documenting or collecting evidence. By understanding your legal rights and working through an experienced attorney, you can hold negligent property owners accountable and receive the compensation you deserve. More importantly, the attorney will be able to preserve evidence and hire the proper experts to protect your rights. Remember to always be vigilant when walking through public spaces and report any potential hazards to the proper authorities. By taking these precautions, you can help prevent accidents for others and stay safe.