Types of Premises Liability

Premises liability law says that property owners, managers, and landlords have to make sure their properties are safe and do not pose any injury or death risk to residents, visitors, or guests. If you are injured on someone else’s property because of something they did or didn’t do, the property owner might owe you compensation.

That said, premises liability isn’t easy to handle and property owners usually try to argue that the accident was the victim’s fault. That’s why seeking the best legal representation for such claims is best.

Nix Patterson offers high-quality legal services for people dealing with premises liability problems in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. We have over 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of those injured on properties with negligent owners. We handle all the litigation expenses, meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket for the service.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a field of law that sets out a property owner’s obligation to keep their premises safe and well-maintained with respect to anyone who enters the property. If they disregard their duty of care and someone sustains an injury on the property, they could be held accountable for the damages.

What Are the Common Types of Premises Liability Claims?

Most premises liability claims happen due to an array of factors on a property, including injuries that happen because of defective equipment, animal attacks, unsafe swimming pools, or even harmful substances on the premises. A victim may also submit a claim if their injury was caused by a failure to warn of a potentially hazardous activity or condition on the property.

Examples of claims that our premises liability attorneys handle include:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips and falls are common causes of injuries in retail stores. Inadequate maintenance of sidewalks and stairs can endanger people on the property, and while most of these incidents cause minor bruises and scrapes, some can cause severe harm.

Inadequate Maintenance

Structural failures in a building can easily lead to unwanted yet preventable injuries. An example of such a failure is faulty stairs and railings. A property owner or landlord has an obligation to ensure that these do not break down and cause injuries to people using the premises.

Elevators and escalators are other utilities that require regular monitoring and maintenance, both in residential and commercial settings. If you are injured due to a structural failure that could have been addressed before, it is your right to file an injury lawsuit to hold the negligent party accountable.

Falling Objects

Nobody anticipates being hit by an object when running around town and going about their usual business. However, careless stacking of products, especially in retail settings, can pose a severe risk to customers as well as employees.

Similarly, an unsecured construction zone can lead to debris or tools falling on passersby, causing severe injuries like bone fractures and traumatic brain injuries.

Lack of Security

There are stringent rules regarding the level of security that should be observed in particular establishments. For example, you expect to be protected from theft, assault, or rape when you go to a nightclub or check into a hotel. If you were harmed because the property owners did not provide adequate security, you might have legal grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit.

Vacation Accidents

Tourism is one of the biggest industries, often involving traveling to new destinations. If you are injured while enjoying one of the many exhilarating activities like skydiving, rafting, or zip lining, or while visiting an amusement park, a golf course, or a spa, consider talking to a premises liability lawyer to find out if you have grounds to file a claim.

Dog Bites

When another person’s dog bites you, whether you were on their property or not, you can claim damages from the owner. However, you’ll need to prove that the pet was dangerous, that you did not provoke it in any manner, or that the owner acted recklessly. The same applies to all other forms of animal attacks.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends the following steps after sustaining a dog bite:

• Use soap and water to clean up the wound as quickly as possible
• Request the dog owner to provide proof of rabies vaccination
• Get the name, address, and contact details of the owner
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Get in touch with the dog’s vet to check vaccination records

Gun-Related Injuries

Hunting accidents, domestic violence incidents, accidental shootings, and defective firearms can all lead to fatal injuries from guns. Whether the incident was due to the actions of a third party or the owner’s negligence, a skilled premises liability lawyer can offer legal guidance and representation.

Swimming Pool Accidents

While swimming pools are a spot for people to relax and cool off, they also pose a major safety threat when not handled properly. Swimming pool owners are expected to ensure that everyone in or near the pool is safe, including guests and children.

Floating devices and fencing that are not installed properly can lead to fatal drownings and catastrophic injuries.

What Are the Common Injuries in Premises Liability Accidents?

There are various types of injuries that victims can suffer during premises liability accidents, ranging from minor injuries to wrongful deaths. Here’s a breakdown of some of the common injuries:

• Minor injuries. Examples of relatively minor injuries in a premises liability accident are scrapes, bruises, broken bones, and lacerations. These are not likely to cause permanent damage, but they can be valid grounds for a claim.
• Catastrophic injuries. These types of injuries cause severe physical, emotional, and psychological damage. They can leave the victim permanently disfigured or disabled, changing their lives forever. Catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, amputations, burn injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
• Wrongful death. Incidents like gas explosions, amusement park accidents, or drowning can all result in wrongful death. In such a situation, the surviving family members of the victim can seek justice by filing a wrongful death suit.

Why Hire a Premises Liability Lawyer?

The last thing you expect at a friend’s place or the mall is to leave with a severe or catastrophic injury. It is the legal obligation of all property owners to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe for anyone living on or visiting the property. Failure to do so means they can be held accountable for any accident that results in injury or wrongful death.

After an accident on someone else’s property, you don’t have to foot that expensive medical bill or struggle with finances due to the inability to work. If you believe another person is to blame for the accident, contact our legal team so that we can help you determine who and what caused your accident and injuries. Our lawyers will help you understand all types of premises liability accidents.

Call Nix Patterson today at 512-328-5333 or schedule a free case review online.