Property owners, landlords and businesses renting commercial spaces must work to ensure that their properties are relatively safe for the public. Especially when guests, clients, tenants or customers visit, the property must be reasonably safe. If business tenants or property owners are negligent about property maintenance, visitors can end up injured as a result.
Those injured parties may potentially have grounds for premises liability lawsuits. If they can show that negligence contributed to their injuries, a property owner may be liable for their losses. What scenarios may lead to a premises liability insurance claim or lawsuit?
1. Slip-and-falls
Same-level falls caused by slipping or tripping is likely the most well-known, if not the most common, source of premises liability claims. Understaffing, deferred maintenance and hazardous conditions may lead to people slipping or tripping and sustaining injuries that better property maintenance could have prevented.
2. Negligent security
Typically, criminals are the parties truly at fault for assaults, muggings and other crimes. However, certain types of crimes are relatively predictable. Landlords and businesses should make reasonable efforts to ensure their properties are secure and to address crimes associated with their location or business type. The failure to do so can make them liable for criminal activity that occurs on their property.
3. Animal attacks
Property owners are often liable for injuries caused when their dogs or other animals attack guests or delivery people. Businesses that allow animals on their premises may be liable if an animal becomes aggressive at a store or similar location.
When unsafe property management or negligence causes injury, an affected person may have legal rights. Reviewing a situation involving unsafe property conditions with a personal injury attorney can help people understand their rights and seeking compensation for their losses accordingly.