Any premises that are open to the public or in the vicinity of the general public should be safely maintained. This includes buildings and properties that the public has access to and that they may be walking past.
If an injury occurs because a property was not safely maintained, the injured party may be able to lodge a premises liability claim. What are some of the more common types of premises liability claims?
Slip-and-fall accidents
Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the most common causes of preventable injuries in the U.S. Often, these incidents are caused by wet floors, poorly maintained floors, a lack of safety signs and obstructed walkways. If the owners and management of a building have neglected their duty to keep walkways safe for visitors, then a premises liability claim can be lodged in the event of injuries.
Construction site accidents
The Ozarks are a very popular tourist destination. This means that there is constantly some sort of construction development going on in the area. Generally, construction sites are unsafe for visitors, so they should be secured to prevent access from unauthorized parties. Sometimes, developments happen in the middle of busy areas. In this case, it is up to the owners of the premises and the construction team to ensure that there are no safety hazards to the public. For example, pedestrians and passers-by should not be exposed to the risk of tools and materials falling from scaffolding platforms. Unfortunately, these types of accidents happen — and the resulting injuries can be very serious.
Dog bites
Dogs are often viewed as extended family members, but the reality is that they are viewed as property by the law. Thus, if a member of the public has access to a property and the owner’s dog bites them, they could pursue a premises liability claim.
If you have been injured due to negligence from a property owner, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Seeking legal guidance will help you to learn more about premises liability claims.