Premises liability is the legal term for the responsibility that comes from property ownership or management. There is a duty to keep facilities reasonably safe, and failing to do so can lead to liability.
Individuals and businesses can have premises liability in different circumstances. Many premises liability claims focus on negligence. Property owners or business tenants failed to do what was clearly necessary for safety based on the situation.
The failure to address common fall hazards that could cause slip-and-falls or trip-and-falls is one potential source of premises liability. Those injured in a slip or trip incident involving one of the hazards below might be able to claim that negligence contributed to their injuries.
Obstacles in pathways
Perhaps a grocery store employee started stocking shelves, only to get called away. They might leave half-empty cases of cans or bottles in an aisle. Visitors could easily end up tripping over that obstacle left behind in a walkway. Likewise, electrical cords used to power equipment could also pose dangerous tripping hazards and lead to claims of negligence. There are literally no limitations to the number of examples and potential pitfalls with obstacles in pathways.
Wet surfaces
Spills caused by customers or workers could leave the floors wet and unsafe. Precipitation tracked in by visitors could also affect the floors near entranceways. Businesses need to train their workers to routinely inspect and clean spaces. They also need to set out signage after mopping, which can also leave the floor wet. Failing to identify and address wet floor surfaces can lead to preventable injuries.
Unsafe stairways and railings
Most businesses and residential properties may have stairs, and those stairs can be a safety hazard. Landlords and property owners should ensure that they keep their stairs well-lit, and ensure that handrails and railings are safely installed and maintained, and at appropriate height to help people to avoid falling. They also need to maintain the cleanliness of the space and ensure that the stairs themselves are in good condition.
Other Hazards
Even without obvious fall hazards, people could still end up hurt due to the condition of the floors themselves throughout a business. Perhaps a business owner hired an outside company to wax the floors recently, and now they are slippery. Maybe there is linoleum that has begun peeling, which could become a tripping hazard.
Torn carpet and cracked tile, as well as uneven floors, are also potential fall hazards. Even the rugs by entranceways can become dangerous without regular cleaning and installation. Without consistent, appropriate maintenance of the floors, visitors could be at risk of tripping, slipping and falling.
Those hurt due to unsafe property conditions that caused a slip-and-fall may have grounds for a premises liability lawsuit. Reviewing what caused a fall and the consequences of the incident with a skilled legal team can help people determine how to respond.