Premises Liability

Property owners have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for the people they invite onto their property. When someone is injured because the owner failed in that duty, the injured party has the right to file suit.

Negligence Is the Key — Not Just an Injury

It is important to understand that simply slipping and falling on someone's property does not, by itself, create a valid legal claim. The injury must result from negligence. In a premises liability case, negligence means proving that the property owner knew, or reasonably should have known, that a condition on the property was unsafe — and failed to do what was necessary to make it safe. Establishing that knowledge and that failure is where experienced legal representation makes the difference.

Types of Premises Liability Claims

• Defective or hazardous conditions on the property
• Inadequate security leading to assault or injury
• Animal attacks
• Swimming pool accidents
• Fires, toxic fumes, and weather-related hazards