Premises liability suits make up the single most common type of lawsuit in the United States. Despite the fact that these lawsuits are so common, the area of premises liability is often discounted, compared to more spectacular types of personal injury suits. But what exactly is premises liability, and why might you choose to bring a premises liability suit?
What is Premises Liability?
In simple terms, premises liability is the area of personal injury law that deals with people who are hurt while on other people’s property. This is based on the simple idea that people have a responsibility to keep their property safe for others to use for legal purposes. When property owners fail to ensure their properties are safe for tenants, customers, guests, and other visitors, they place others’ health and safety at risk, potentially leading to injury.
What Are Some Examples of Premises Liability?
There are numerous types of premises liability cases. Some of the most common cases of this type include:
- Slip and fall / trip and fall accidents
- Injuries due to lack of proper maintenance
- Injuries due to defective or dangerous conditions
- Injuries due to snow or ice
- Elevator / escalator accidents
- Injuries incurred during foreseeable criminal acts
- Dog bites
- Swimming pool accidents
When is Someone Responsible for Premises Liability?
At the core of this area of law is something known as the “duty of care.” Put simply, this is the basic legal duty that all property owners have to the people on their property to prevent foreseeable accidents. This means ensuring the premises are free of hazards like spilled water, damaged flooring, or poorly maintained facilities. It also means taking measures to prevent people from getting hurt due to other foreseeable sources of harm, such as securing dogs to prevent dog bites, or installing security cameras to dissuade criminals.
What Should I Do if I Was Injured on Someone Else’s Property?
If you were injured one someone else’s property due to their negligence, you should speak to a New York personal injury lawyer near you. They can discuss your case with you and help you to create a legal strategy that best suits your needs. The sooner you call, the sooner they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
For more than 40 years, the Drucker Law Firm has been providing personal and quality legal services to individuals, universities, and corporations throughout the New York City and Tri-State area. We have represented three generations of clients in personal injury cases, as well as immigration, real estate, and general litigation matters. If you have a legal issue related to personal injury law, please give us a call at (718) 458-1489 to schedule a consultation or visit our contact page.