Louisiana residents may be aware that when someone invites them into their home or when they enter into a store, there is an expectation that the premises will be reasonably safe from potential hazards. However, what about outside the premises — what obligations does an individual have with regards to maintaining the outdoors?
A slip-and-fall is one of the most common types of accidents incurred not only within the premises, but also outside it. When the area where someone slipped and was part of the possessor or owner’s premises, and they failed to take the appropriate steps to rectify a problem that then caused the accident, they could potentially be held accountable for their negligence in a premises liability case.
Lighting is an essential part of the outdoors, especially in the evening or in areas where lighting is poor — lighting also plays an important role in preventing accidents, as without proper lighting one cannot see an uneven surface or holes and cracks in the sidewalk. A property owner could be found liable for injuries incurred outside, if they knew or should have known the lighting was poor, but they failed to remedy the situation.
An injury suffered on a sidewalk does not necessarily give rise to a premises liability claim, but if the sidewalk is used exclusively for customers coming to and from the business, then the owner could be found responsible for a dangerous condition that exists on the private sidewalk. The law may be tricky. Therefore, understanding how one’s situation fits into the legal framework of premises liability claims is important compensation received through a successful claim might make it easier to get the medical treatment one deserves to recover from the injuries one sustained in the accident.
