Premises liability lawsuits arise when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to maintain their premises reasonably safe to prevent harm to visitors, tenants, or customers. When they fail to meet this obligation, injured parties may seek compensation for their damages. Here are the four most common types of premises liability lawsuits:
Slip And Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are among the most prevalent types of premises liability claims. These occur when someone slips, trips, or falls on a hazardous surface. Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors: Spills, freshly mopped areas, or icy sidewalks can create dangerous conditions.
- Uneven flooring or carpeting: Loose rugs, torn carpets, or uneven tiles can cause someone to trip and fall.
- Poor lighting: Insufficient lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots can prevent people from seeing potential hazards.
- Unmarked hazards: Lack of warning signs for wet floors, construction areas, or other temporary dangers can lead to accidents.
Property owners are required to address such hazards or provide adequate warnings promptly. To succeed in a slip and fall case, the injured party must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
Inadequate Security
Inadequate security claims arise when a property owner’s failure to provide sufficient security measures results in harm to a visitor, tenant, or customer. These cases often occur in areas where criminal activity is foreseeable, such as apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, or shopping malls. Examples of inadequate security include:
- Lack of surveillance cameras: In high-risk areas, the absence of security cameras can embolden criminal behavior.
- Poorly lit areas: Dimly lit parking lots or hallways create opportunities for assaults or robberies.
- Failure to hire security personnel: In some cases, the lack of trained security staff may contribute to a dangerous environment.
- Faulty locks or gates: Broken locks on doors, windows, or gates can make it easier for intruders to gain access.
To succeed in an inadequate security lawsuit, the plaintiff must show that the property owner failed to implement reasonable security measures and that this failure directly led to the harm suffered.
Dog Bites And Animal Attacks
Premises liability also extends to injuries caused by animals on the property, especially dog bites. In many states, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether the animal has shown prior aggression. Common factors in dog bite or animal attack claims include:
- Failure to restrain the animal: Property owners must ensure their pets are confined, leashed, or otherwise prevented from attacking others.
- Failure to warn: If a dog is known to be aggressive, the owner has a duty to warn visitors and take additional precautions to prevent attacks.
- Dangerous animals on the premises: Liability may also arise if other dangerous animals, such as exotic pets, injure someone.
Victims of dog bites or animal attacks can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents are another common source of premises liability claims, particularly in residential and commercial properties with pools. These accidents often involve drownings, near-drownings, or slip-and-fall injuries around the pool area. Common causes include:
- Lack of fencing or barriers: Pools must have proper enclosures to prevent unauthorized access, especially by children.
- Inadequate supervision: Property owners must provide lifeguards or clear warnings when no supervision is available.
- Slippery surfaces: Wet pool decks can lead to slip-and-fall injuries if not properly maintained.
- Defective pool equipment: Faulty drains, pumps, or diving boards can create hazardous conditions.
Swimming pool accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities, making these claims particularly high-stakes for both victims and property owners.
Have You Been Injured?
Premises liability lawsuits encompass a wide range of accidents. In each case, the injured party must prove that the property owner’s negligence created an unsafe condition that directly caused their harm. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a property owner’s negligence, consulting an experienced Orlando premises liability lawyer is the first step toward protecting your rights and obtaining justice. Call David & Philpot, PL today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.
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