Premises liability is an umbrella term that describes the legal responsibilities of property owners.
While New York’s laws impose a general duty on property owners to keep their premises reasonably safe for others, there are various ways in which proprietors can violate this obligation. When they do, and you get hurt as a result, you may be able to assert a premises liability claim.
Top 4 Types of Premises Liability Lawsuits
When asserting a premises liability claim, you seek monetary compensation for injuries you suffered due to the negligence of a property owner. The top 4 most common types of claims resulting from negligence by property owners include the following:
1. Slip, Trip, and Fall Cases
Falls are dangerous, especially for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that falls are the leading cause of injury and death due to injury in U.S. adults over the age of 65. These incidents can lead to broken bones, strains and sprains, tears, and back and hip injuries.
A slip or trip may lead to a fall, so property owners should be diligent about cleaning up any hazards on the grounds of their premises. Examples of slip and trip hazards include spills, snow and ice, exposed electrical cords, and debris. Property owners should also make sure their properties are well maintained and free from any structural defects.
2. Dog Bite Cases
The American Veterinary Medical Association finds that approximately 40% of U.S. households have a dog.
While they can be great companions and provide a sense of security in the home, dogs can also present a danger to visitors and guests. Even dogs that seem friendly may attack their owners or visitors to the home.
Minor dog bites can result in painful wounds, while more severe cases may require stitches or surgery to repair the damage. Dog attacks are also traumatic, and survivors of these incidents may suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Electrical Hazard Cases
Homes and businesses alike can have electric shock hazards. Encountering faulty wiring, exposed wiring, or defective appliances are some ways visitors to a property might find themselves hurt in an electrical accident.
While not all of these hazards are easily detectable, that doesn’t release proprietors from their obligation to take reasonable measures to protect visitors from them.
An electric shock can lead to seizures, cardiac or respiratory arrest, and brain damage. In less severe cases, electric shocks can cause second and third-degree burns.
4. Lack of Physical Security Cases
Business proprietors should take reasonable steps to protect their customers from physical harm and crime. While business owners cannot prevent all assaults and other crimes from happening on their property, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to take preventive measures.
Suppose the business owner knows that the neighborhood is dangerous or prone to crime. In that case, reasonable steps might include hiring security guards, installing metal detectors, or placing security cameras on the property to detect or deter crime.
Criminal acts can cause physical injuries, financial loss, and mental trauma to victims and innocent bystanders.
Getting Started with a Premises Liability Case in Nassau County
If you or your loved one has been hurt on someone else’s property, you may not know what legal rights you have. A premises liability claim brought against a negligent property owner may help you recover monetary damages that can compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses.
The Kohan Law Group is here to assist you after an injury accident in Nassau County, Long Island, or elsewhere in New York. Our personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to investigate and litigate your claim. Call our office today for assistance.