Premises Liability
Injured in someone else's property?
When a business or property owner invites the general public onto their property, they must provide an environment that is reasonably free from avoidable hazardous conditions. Owners and occupants of property are legally required to provide a reasonably safe environment for individuals that enter their property. This liability, referred to as "premises liability", means that if an individual is injured as a result of the unsafe or dangerous condition of the property, the property owner and occupants may be held liable for the damages suffered by the injured party. Contact a premises liability attorney in Sacramento immediately.
The rationale behind premises liability is that if a business or an individual is inviting or permitting access to their property by members of the general public, the property owners and occupants should ensure that the property is free of avoidable hazards and dangerous conditions. For instance, if a pizza delivery person is attacked by the property owner's dog or trips over a broken sidewalk, the property owner may be held liable for the costs associated with the delivery person's injuries.
Property owners and occupants may also be found liable for injuries suffered as a result of negligent security. If the property is not properly lit or does not otherwise offer appropriate security measures, the property owner and occupants can be found liable for any deaths or injuries that arise out of criminal activity on the property. Accordingly, if an individual is physically attacked in a parking garage, the owner and operator of the parking garage may be held responsible for injuries suffered as a result of the attack.
Property owners and occupants are required to use reasonable care to fix or warn the public with respect to hazards or dangerous conditions on their property. For example, if a convenience store suffers a water leak, they are obligated to clean it properly and to warn customers of the slippery conditions. Failure to do so will likely mean that the property owner or occupant will be held liable for the damages incurred by any parties injured as a result of the dangerous condition and the failure to remedy the condition or warn of its existence.
Many instances of premises liability involve "slip and fall" cases in which the injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to traumatic injuries including fractures and head injuries. It is important for individuals that are injured as a result of premises liability to understand that their damages may go far beyond medical costs associated with the injury. Many incidents lead to an inability to work or enjoy hobbies or time with loved ones. Oftentimes, injured persons experience considerable pain and suffering for which they should be compensated. Unfortunately, in many cases, the injured person never fully recovers from their injury and incurs lifelong expenses.
Amaya & Associates is a Northern California personal injury law firm that helps clients recover damages incurred as a result of premises liability and other instances of negligence. With more than a decade of experience representing injured clients in Sacramento, California and the surrounding areas, our attorneys are able to advise clients with respect to all aspects of their claims. Please call Amaya & Associates Law Group at 916-542-6116 if you are have suffered an injury and are looking for a Sacramento premises liability lawyer.