Premises liability is a legal doctrine or principle that allows property owners or occupiers to be held responsible for injuries that occur on their premises. This is because they have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors. If they fail in that duty, they can be sued for damages arising from their negligence.
Different situations can lead to premises liability cases. If you are in such a position where you’ve been injured on another’s premises, you may be wondering if the circumstances of your injury qualify as a premises liability case and whether you can get monetary compensation from the property owner or occupier.
Our reputable attorneys at the Dressie Law Firm can assess your case and advise you on your chances of success.
In the meantime, read on as we discuss the general eligibility requirements for premises liability cases under Georgia law and some common types of premises liability cases.
Premises liability claims can arise from different kinds of situations. But most of the time, they are based on the following scenarios:
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents often lead to severe injuries like hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries. These accidents may occur due to factors such as
- Snow and ice accumulation
- Spills that are not wiped away promptly
- Damaged, defective, or missing steps in stairways
- Wrinkled, torn, and uneven carpeting.
These conditions are obvious, and it is reasonable to expect that the person in charge of the property takes steps to fix them before anyone gets hurt. Therefore, anyone who slips, falls, and gets injured on someone else’s property due to these or similar factors can file a lawsuit against the owner/occupier.
Inadequate Security Leading To Harm
Inadequate security claims are filed against owners who fail to provide adequate security to visitors when it is obvious that security is essential.
For instance, a commercial property owner in an area with high crime rates may be liable for assaults or muggings in their parking lot if they fail to secure their premises properly.
What amounts to inadequate security varies depending on the circumstances, but some common examples include the following:
- Lack of security cameras
- Lack of a security gate
- Defective locks on doors
- Lack of security guards
- Failing to take action after reports concerning insecurity.
In such instances, you may have a valid premises liability case as long as the security threat that the property occupier failed to take care of was foreseeable.
Other Dangerous Property Conditions
Other than the above factors, other dangerous commercial or apartment complex conditions can cause injury and lead to premises liability. They include;
- Defective elevators
- Electrocution due to faulty wiring
- Ceiling collapses due to poor construction
In a premises liability case based on such factors, you may need to establish that the owner/occupier was aware or should have been aware of the dangerous state of the premises to sustain your claim.
In the circumstances, it would be wise to seek help from an experienced premises liability lawyer. They can represent you in court and formulate an appropriate strategy to help you establish your case and lead to a positive outcome.
No matter the type of premises liability case you’re dealing with, you need to present strong evidence that supports your claim if you hope to succeed.
However, the legal process could be complex to navigate without legal knowledge. That’s why it is important that you secure the services of an experienced premises liability attorney to avoid any issues or mistakes stemming from this lack of knowledge that could adversely affect the outcome of your case.
Our competent premises liability attorneys at The Dressie Law Firm, LLC understand how the different types of premises liability cases work and how to get a positive outcome with each one. With their experience, they can review your case, file, and represent you during your lawsuit and help identify the most viable way to protect your interests.
Contact us today to share your concerns about your case and learn more about your rights under the applicable premises liability law. Let us assist you as you seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered.
The Dressie Law Firm, LLC Can Help You
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