Most Common Types of Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability is a broad category of personal injury law which includes a variety of situations and claims. Premises liability occurs when a property owner, landlord, or manager is negligent and their wrongdoing leads to an injury or loss. These types of claims can occur on both residential and commercial properties. Some of the most common types of premises liability claims include:

Lack of maintenance: Many different kinds of building elements can become dangerous if they are not maintained properly. This includes appliances, light fixtures, and elevators. If an elevator or appliance malfunctions (due to a lack of maintenance) and injures a tenant or visitor, such as an elevator dropping suddenly and someone hitting their head, the landlord or building manager can be held liable.

Poor security: Part of a property manager or business owner’s job is to provide safe premises for tenants, customers, and employees. When people are injured from a robbery, break-in, or an act of vandalism, the business comes under scrutiny for poor security cameras, locks, or faulty alarm systems.

Slip and fall hazards: Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability claim. These can occur when a property owner or manager fails to properly maintain sidewalks, staircases, or parking lots. If someone falls because of snow or ice, wet floors not marked by warning signage, or on misplaced cords, the owner can be held liable.

Unrestrained dogs: Property owners have an obligation to keep their dogs restrained, especially if the animal has aggressive tendencies. If a dog injures someone because of the owner’s lack of training, absence of a fence, or failure to leash the dog, he/she is responsible for any damage the dog causes.

Have you recently been injured on someone else’s property? Don’t suffer in silence, contact us at Emerson Straw Injury Law to speak with a member of our legal team today.