Property owners and operators have a responsibility to ensure that areas remain safe for you and other visitors. Though accidents can happen under any circumstances, if an owner or operator fails to address potentially dangerous conditions, you may have cause to take legal action if you suffer injuries as a result of those conditions. This type of scenario falls under the category of premises liability.
Of course, not every accident on someone else’s premises may warrant a legal claim. Therefore, you may wish to gain a better understanding of when an owner or operator may hold liability for your resulting injuries and other damages.
Floor conditions
Flooring can pose hazards to customers and other visitors for a variety of reasons. If property owners or operators do not maintain flooring as they should, holes or worn areas could present a tripping hazard. Additionally, if floor coverings such as rugs or mats do not lie flat, you could potentially trip and fall as a result of that hazard as well.
For hard floor surfaces, slick conditions can often present an issue. In ideal situations, owners or operators would put up signs or barriers to ensure that customers know that the area poses a hazard due to a spill, cleaning product or other condition. However, if these signs or other warnings are not present, the owner could hold liability if you fall and suffer injuries.
Issues with stairs
Just like floors, stairs also need routine checks and maintenance to ensure that they do not present hazards to users. If steps become worn or rounded, it may become easier for you or others to slip while walking up or down the stairs. Additionally, trash or other debris on the stairs could present tripping or slipping hazards. A broken handrail or stairs that do not have railing could also put you at risk of falling.
Dealing with a liability claim
If you suffered serious injuries as a result of a fall on someone else’s premises, you may want to seek compensation for your injuries and expenses. If you feel uncertain about the liability involved in the incident, you may wish to closely assess the circumstances of your accident and the contributing factors. By learning more information about premises liability claims, you may better understand whether this legal action could suit your predicament. Local Louisiana legal resources may provide you with reliable and useful information.
