Property owners and managers are legally responsible for providing safe conditions for their employees, guests, and customers. When they fail to do so, innocent victims can be injured. When property owners’ negligence makes the premises unsafe for visitors, innocent victims can become severely injured.
If you or your loved one have been injured in an accident on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit. When you work with Ceja Law Firm PLLC, you can rest assured we will skillfully advocate for the full and fair compensation you deserve while representing you every step of the way.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability, also called property owner liability, happens when an incident or accident occurs on a third party’s property caused by a danger known to the owner or manager of the premises. Premises liability cases can include slipping and falling in a puddle in a store, tripping on electrical wires at an office complex, and any other preventable accident. We have successfully represented clients in a wide range of personal liability cases, including the following dangerous conditions:
- Torn or ripped carpeting
- Uneven or broken flooring
- Unmarked hazardous conditions on the property
- Electrocutions from unsafe conditions
- Slippery floors
- Unsafe stairwells
- Unsafe swimming pools
- Poorly marked exits
- Lack of required fencing, including around swimming pools
- Lack of railings
- Lack of security
- Insufficient signage
- Insufficient lighting
- Failure to secure a dangerous dog or other animal
These are just a few examples of negligent conditions that can cause devastating accidents. Whether you’ve suffered an injury in a large restaurant, a small store, a hotel, an apartment complex, a theme park, or even another person’s house, the attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC can help you pursue the recovery you’re owed.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common premises liability cases. A victim can slip on a puddle, debris, icy steps, and due to defective carpet or flooring. Slip and fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, ranging from bruises to serious, life-altering injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and more.
Property owners can prevent slip and fall injuries by posting warnings when staircases are slippery, floors are being cleaned or waxed, or to warn of other dangerous conditions. When a property owner is aware of an existing defect in the floor, such as uneven walking surfaces or cracks, the owner should promptly fix the condition to make it safe or post a clear warning of the condition to pedestrians. Finally, property owners should routinely inspect their properties for hazards that could cause slip-and-fall accidents.
Negligent Maintenance
If a business, person, or municipality invites you onto their property, it’s the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their premises safely. The property owner should routinely inspect their premises and look for any potential hazards their customers or guests may not notice.
When they find potential dangers, they have a duty to make the dangers inaccessible to customers and guests, fix them, or put up warnings. Similarly, property owners must keep their guests and customers safe from foreseeable crimes by hiring security, installing lighting, and taking other reasonable safety measures.
Proving Liability in a Premises Accident Case
A property owner has the legal responsibility to ensure he or she maintains a safe property, but multiple factors go into determining liability. To recover compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim, you and your attorney will need to prove the at-fault party’s liability.
Specifically, you’ll need to prove the property owner or manager’s negligence caused your injuries. Negligence means the property owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent injuries to visitors to their property.
Negligence includes any action the property owner takes that helps create a dangerous situation, whether through action or inaction. Most premises liability accidents occur when a property owner knows about a dangerous situation on his or her property but does nothing to fix it. You must also prove that the property owner’s negligence directly caused your injuries. Finally, you and your attorney will need to prove that the accident caused you financial damages.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured on Another Person’s Property
Being injured on another person’s property can be traumatic and jarring. The steps you take after the accident can help or hurt your claim for compensation. Some of the most important evidence includes photos of the hazard that caused your injuries, such as the icy parking lot or wet floor. If possible, you should try to take photos as soon as possible after the accident.
Employees may try to clean up the spill or debris that caused their injuries. You don’t want to give the defendant time to fix the situation to avoid paying compensation. If you’ve been injured, call 911 and ask for a police officer and emergency medical professional to come to the accident scene.
The police report should include essential details, including the time and date you spoke to the property owner and the circumstances that led to the accident. After receiving medical treatment, it’s important to discuss your case with an attorney who can begin investigating it and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Slip and Fall Case?
When a plaintiff injured in a premises liability accident proves the property owner was negligent, the plaintiff may recover expenses resulting from his or her injuries. The case’s value depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the injuries, the victim’s medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. The attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC can help you understand the potential value of your case.
Discuss Your Case with a Skilled Premises Liability Attorney
If you or your loved one has been seriously injured due to a hazardous, dangerous, or negligent condition on another person’s property, it’s important you discuss your case with a skilled attorney. The premises liability attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC know how to hold negligent property owners accountable for injuries caused by dangerous conditions on their properties. We will carefully review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options, rights, and responsibilities.
