Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Common types of premises liability cases

When someone is injured on another person's property, it can result in a premises liability case. These cases arise when property owners fail to keep their property safe and someone gets injured. Victims need to know their rights and the responsibilities of property owners.

At The Zaveri Law Firm, we help victims pursue premises liability claims. We seek to hold negligent security property owners accountable for premises liability accidents. Learn more below. Then, contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your premises liability claim.

Why Is Premises Liability Important?

Premises liability is important because it holds property owners accountable for keeping their spaces safe. This area of law ensures that anyone who enters a property legally—whether as a guest, customer, or worker—is protected from harm.

When property owners neglect this duty, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries that occur. This accountability helps maintain public safety standards across all types of properties.

A Property Owner's Duty of Care

A property owner's duty of care means keeping their property reasonably safe and warning of any hidden dangers. This duty varies depending on the visitor's status. It may include invitees, licensees, and trespassers. They each have different levels of protection under the law.

For example, customers in a store are invitees and receive the highest level of protection. Property owners must actively look for and fix dangers that could harm these visitors.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are among the most common types of premises liability cases. They can happen anywhere, from icy parking lots to wet supermarket floors.

They often result from property owners failing to promptly address spillages or weather-related hazards. These cases hinge on proving that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and did nothing to fix it.

Common Causes

  • Wet floors are a leading cause of slip-and-fall accidents, especially in grocery stores and restaurants.
  • Icy walkways pose serious risks in colder climates, and property owners are responsible for salting or sanding these areas.
  • Uneven surfaces like cracked sidewalks or potholes in parking lots can easily cause someone to trip and fall.
  • Loose carpets or mats in buildings can create tripping hazards if improperly secured.
  • Poor lighting makes it hard to see potential dangers, increasing the likelihood of falls.

Tripping Hazards

Tripping hazards in premises liability cases are conditions on a property that cause someone to trip and fall. These cases are similar to slip-and-fall accidents but specifically involve obstacles or uneven surfaces.

Property owners must ensure walkways are clear and flat. If a tripping hazard is present and causes an injury, the property owner may be held liable.

Common Causes

  • Cluttered pathways can easily lead to tripping if items are left in walkways.
  • Electrical cords that are not properly secured or hidden are common tripping hazards.
  • Raised flooring or unexpected steps without proper signage can catch someone off guard.
  • Broken or missing floor tiles can create uneven surfaces that are easy to trip over.
  • Garden hoses or other yard equipment left out can be a tripping hazard, especially in residential areas.

Inadequate Maintenance

Inadequate maintenance

Inadequate maintenance refers to a property owner's failure to keep their property safe. This can include peeling paint, crumbling masonry, or rusty handrails that could harm someone. You can sue a property owner for negligence if poor maintenance results in accidents.

Common Issues

  • Leaky ceilings can cause water to accumulate on floors, creating slip hazards.
  • Old or broken furniture in public areas can collapse under weight, causing injuries.
  • Damaged playground equipment at parks or schools can lead to children getting hurt.
  • Failing to trim vegetation can obstruct pathways or obscure traffic signs, leading to accidents.
  • Neglected swimming pools can have slippery decks or broken gates, increasing the risk of accidents.

Poor Security

Poor security in premises liability refers to insufficient measures property owners take to prevent foreseeable crimes. This can include inadequate lighting in parking lots or a lack of security cameras where needed.

Victims of crimes due to poor security may hold property owners liable if it can be shown that better security could have prevented the crime.

Common Issues

  • Insufficient lighting in parking lots or walkways can make it easier for crimes to occur.
  • A lack of security cameras can fail to deter criminals and leave no record of incidents.
  • Inadequate locks or broken windows provide easy access for intruders.
  • Failure to hire security personnel in areas known for high crime rates can be seen as negligence.
  • Poor crowd control at events can lead to injuries from fights or stampedes.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents

Swimming pool accidents are a serious concern in premises liability. These accidents can occur in private and public pools and often involve young children.

Property owners with pools must adhere to strict safety regulations, including proper fencing, secure gates, and clear safety signage. Not meeting these standards can result in tragic accidents and substantial legal liability.

Common Causes

  • Lack of proper fencing around a pool can allow unsupervised children to enter the area.
  • No lifeguard on duty at public pools increases the risk of drowning accidents.
  • Slippery pool decks without non-slip surfaces are a common cause of falls.
  • Poorly maintained pool equipment can lead to injuries from broken ladders or diving boards.
  • Unclear water can prevent seeing someone in distress, delaying rescue efforts.

Elevator and Escalator Accidents

Elevator and escalator accidents, though less common, are serious premises liability cases. These accidents can be due to mechanical failures, improper maintenance, or faulty installation.

Property owners must ensure that all mechanical transportation within their buildings is safe and compliant with safety standards.

Common Causes

  • Improper maintenance can lead to mechanical failures in elevators and escalators.
  • Faulty installation of parts can cause sudden stops or jolts that lead to falls.
  • Worn-out tread on escalator steps can catch shoes and cause trips.
  • Lack of emergency shutoffs or faulty shutoffs can exacerbate accidents.
  • Doors closing too quickly can trap individuals or items, leading to injuries.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites and animal attacks

Dog bites and animal attacks on someone else's property can also trigger premises liability cases. Property owners with animals are responsible for preventing their animals from harming visitors. This responsibility includes properly securing animals, especially if they have known aggressive tendencies.

Common Causes

  • Failure to leash dogs in public areas or private property with access to outsiders.
  • Not securing fences or gates can allow animals to escape and attack passersby.
  • Ignoring leash laws in public parks or neighborhoods increases the risk of attacks.
  • Poor training or handling of animals can lead to unpredictable behavior.
  • Not warning visitors about a pet's aggression can lead to unexpected attacks.

Toxic Exposure

Toxic exposure cases in premises liability involve harmful chemicals or substances that visitors are exposed to without proper warning. This can occur in residential buildings, commercial properties, or industrial sites.

Property owners must manage and disclose the presence of hazardous materials, ensuring that all safety regulations are followed to prevent exposure.

Common Causes

  • Improper storage of chemicals can lead to leaks or spills that expose visitors to harmful substances.
  • Failure to provide safety warnings about the presence of toxic materials.
  • Lack of proper ventilation in areas where chemicals are used or stored.
  • Using banned or unapproved substances in maintenance or operations.
  • Negligent disposal of industrial waste can contaminate surrounding areas, affecting residents or businesses.

Fires and Electrical Accidents

Fires and electrical accidents are serious premises liability issues that can cause extensive damage and injury. These accidents often result from neglected electrical systems, failure to stick to fire safety standards, or poor handling of flammable materials. Property owners must maintain their electrical systems to prevent such accidents and provide adequate fire safety measures.

Common Causes

  • Faulty wiring or electrical systems not up to code can spark fires.
  • Overloaded circuits can overheat and lead to electrical fires.
  • Improper storage of flammable materials near heat sources can ignite easily.
  • Lack of smoke detectors or fire extinguishers reduces the ability to detect or control fires.
  • Failure to conduct regular safety inspections increases the risk of fire-related accidents.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction site accidents

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of construction work, construction site accidents are a prevalent type of premises liability case.

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of construction work, property owners and contractors must ensure safety measures are in place to safeguard workers and visitors. This includes proper signage, securing hazardous areas, and providing necessary safety equipment.

Common Causes

  • Lack of proper safety gear like helmets and harnesses can lead to catastrophic injuries.
  • Poorly secured construction zones can allow unauthorized access and lead to accidents.
  • Failure to mark hazardous areas clearly can cause visitors or workers to enter dangerous spots.
  • Improperly maintained machinery can malfunction and cause injuries.
  • Neglecting to train workers adequately on safety procedures increases the risk of accidents.

How The Zaveri Law Firm Can Advocate for Your Rights

The Zaveri Law Firm specializes in premises liability cases. We know the issues involved in these claims. Our experienced premises liability lawyers are committed to fighting for the rights of those injured. Our personal injury law firm can help you pursue compensation for your serious injuries. We take the time to investigate each case thoroughly. We ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and presented effectively.

Our approach is customized to the specific circumstances of each client's case. We fight to secure the most compensation we can, whether through negotiation or courtroom proceedings.

Choosing The Zaveri Law Firm, gives you a dedicated partner who will stand by your side. We are with you from the initial consultation to the final verdict or settlement.

Schedule Your Free Case Consultation With Our Baltimore Premises Liability Lawyer

Schedule your free consultation with our Baltimore premises liability lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a premises liability accident, don't wait to seek legal help. The Zaveri Law Firm would be honored to fight for you.

Contact us today for a free case consultation to review premises liability lawsuits.

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