People can get hurt while grocery shopping or visiting a friend at their new apartment. In some cases, those hurt on private property, at an apartment building or in a store can show that the property owner or business tenant exposed them to unnecessary risk by allowing hazards to develop and failing to provide a warning about unsafe conditions.
Accidents can happen anywhere, but unsafe property conditions significantly increase the likelihood of an individual getting hurt and facing both medical expenses and lost income. Both individual property owners and businesses generally carry premises liability insurance coverage. It is often part of a general business insurance policy or the policy protecting a homeowner or renter.
A failure to keep a property reasonably safe can expose owners and businesses to financial liability and responsibility for the injuries of visitors. When do those hurt at a business or private property potentially have the right to file a premises liability claim seeking compensation?
When the property is unsafe
Negligence is often the basis for a premises liability lawsuit or insurance claim. A person hurt at a business or an apartment building must show that the business organization, landlord or property owner failed to do what was reasonably necessary for safety.
Ignoring burned-out lights in stairways, letting flooring become damaged or understaffing a business so that workers cannot clean spills as they develop are all examples of potential negligence. People can also file premises liability lawsuits after an animal attack. Catastrophic property failures, such as ceiling or balcony collapses, can also provide the grounds necessary for a premises liability claim.
When visitors sustain economic losses
Typically, injured parties must have verifiable economic damages in addition to proof that negligence contributed to their injuries. Medical bills and lost wages are among the most common economic damages included in premises liability claims. Reviewing a slip-and-fall or dog bite incident with a legal professional can help those injured due to unsafe property conditions understand their options.
If delayed maintenance, poor staffing practices or refusal to manage an animal’s behavior has caused injuries, those hurt may have grounds to seek compensation for property damage expenses, medical bills, lost wages and other costs generated by the incident at issue. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help those hoping to pursue premises liability claims understand their options.