Who is Liable When Someone Slips and Falls?
Slip and fall accidents come under the area of law known as ‘premises liability’. This special form of liability determines which party is at fault for the accident and requires the person in possession of the land or premises in which the accident occurred to be responsible for certain injuries suffered by persons on that premises. Therefore, each time someone steps onto a property, the property owner faces a considerable liability issue. The owner is required by law to provide a safe environment for individuals who visit the property. This includes performing routine maintenance and preventing unsafe and dangerous conditions that could cause injuries to an individual.
Here is a list of accidents covered under premises liability:
- broken sidewalks
- uneven floors
- broken elevators
- cracked or broken steps
- puddles of water
- swimming pool accidents
- broken railings
- debris on the floor
Slip and fall accidents can happen at:
- shopping malls
- hospitals
- office buildings
- housing complexes
- parking garages
- restaurants
If the negligence of the property owner is found to have been the cause of an injury, the property owner is liable and victims may be entitled to compensation.
