Property owners are responsible for maintaining safe conditions on their premises. Those who do not maintain safe conditions may find themselves liable for another party’s accident. With help from a premises liability attorney in Milwaukee, the injured party can recover compensation that addresses all of their damages.
Injuries in these accidents can vary widely, but might include:
- Bone fractures, including hip, spine, forearm, leg, and ankle fractures;
- Head trauma/concussion;
- Sprains and strains; and
- Severe bruising.
These and other types of injuries come with significant medical bills, missed time from work, and pain and suffering. If you suffered an injury on someone else’s property, it is important to understand premises liability as it pertains to your case. Learning more about the following situations could help you determine whether you have a case against a property owner.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners are usually responsible for slip and fall accidents when they let unsafe conditions exist. The following scenarios can leave a property owner liable for injuries that result from dangerous conditions.
- Owners knew about – or should have known about – dangerous conditions (e.g., slippery floors, a broken railing, etc.) but did not correct it or warn of it.
- Owners created unsafe conditions (e.g., installed slippery surface around pool, etc.).
Negligent Security
Negligent security can result in increased crime rates that affect residents and customers. Negligent security often involves cases when property owners did not provide:
- Security cameras or guards
- Lighted parking lots
- Gates, fences, and similar barriers
- Crime-deterring signage
Victims of negligent security can experience any of the injuries associated with violent crime. Some common injuries caused by violent crime include:
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones or teeth
- Gunshot wounds
- Internal injuries
- Puncture wounds
Property owners may bear some responsibility for these and other injuries because they did not provide adequate security. Whether the crime was foreseeable is an important issue when determining liability. If a reasonable person could have predicted crimes would take place, then property owners are often responsible for implanting security measures that will prevent them. If they do not and someone becomes hurt, the owner may be liable.
Business, School, and Playground Accidents
Businesses, school districts, and municipal governments may be liable for injuries that occur on their properties. The parents of a child injured while playing on a school playground, for instance, may hold the school district accountable. City and county governments may be responsible for injuries that occur on public playgrounds.
Simply getting injured, however, does not mean that the property owner is liable, especially if equipment has been properly maintained and children are supervised. If the playground equipment has a faulty design, then the manufacturer may be responsible. When children use playground equipment inappropriately, neither the property owner nor the manufacturer may be at fault.
Similarly, businesses may be liable for failing to follow corporate safety procedures if it leads to an accident and injuries. Simple negligence on behalf of a business or store can leave it liable for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages recoverable in premises liability claims.
Parking Lot Accidents
Cars move at slow speeds in parking lots, but collisions with pedestrians can still cause serious injuries. In some cases, symptoms of injuries may not become apparent for several hours or days after the collision.
Unlike many premises liability cases, parking lot accidents may not involve the property owner. Fault usually falls on one of the drivers. But property owners who do not provide adequate signage or lighting, for example, could face consequences for creating unsafe conditions.
Get Legal Help from the Law Offices of Stephen B. Strnad, S.C.
If you suffered an injury because a property owner created or failed to correct or warn about unsafe conditions, you may seek financial compensation with the help of an attorney. The Law Offices of Stephen B. Strnad, S.C. can provide a free case evaluation [link to Contact page] to help you decide whether you want to pursue a claim or lawsuit.