Injuries caused by dangerous or defective property, also known as premises liability accidents, are among the most common types of personal injury hazards, resulting in countless avoidable injuries every year. Key to these accidents is the fact that they are often the result of negligent behavior by the property owners in either creating dangerous conditions, or failing to remove or correct a dangerous condition they knew or should have known about. But how exactly does the negligence of property owners result in a premises liability claim?
Understanding Premises Liability
“Premises liability” is the term for any injury caused by dangerous conditions on someone’s property, be that a private residence, a store, an office building, or anywhere else. This type of claim is based on the simple idea that property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a safe condition, and that any dangerous conditions should be addressed promptly. When failure to perform these basic duties results in someone being hurt, a premises liability claim exists.
Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability encompasses a large number of potential accidents, which can be caused in a variety of ways. These include, but are not limited to:
Notice is the Key
When a property owner creates a dangerous condition (for example, by placing a tripping hazard in a hallway) or fails to correct a known condition (for example, by failing to clear snow despite having ample time to do so), the owner can be said to “be on notice” for the dangerous condition. When this happens, they may have liability for any injury caused by that condition.
What You Should Do
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, your first priority should be to seek medical attention and get whatever treatment is necessary. After that, however, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury claims. They can help you review your legal options, and ensure you get compensation for any injury you have suffered.
If you have been injured in a premises liability accident, contact the Albany-based personal injury lawyers at Dreyer Boyajian. Our experienced attorneys are always ready to assist you, and ensure you get justice for the harm you have suffered. To schedule a free initial consultation at your convenience, give us a call at 518-463-7784 or contact us online at dreyerboyajian.com.
