Injuries Caused by Premises Liability Accidents
Because there are so many different types of premises liability accidents, there are also many different types of injuries a victim might sustain. These injuries can range from mild to severe and life-threatening. In some unfortunate cases, a premises liability accident may even cause death.
However, even minor injuries can rack up serious medical debt. Even injuries that heal relatively easily, like broken bones and soft tissue injuries, can cause long-term pain or require physical therapy.
More severe injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries can cost hundreds of thousands to millions throughout one’s life. Victims with these injuries may have to undergo multiple surgeries, work with physical therapists, and see specialists on a regular basis. They may also have to purchase medical equipment and even renovate their homes to make them more accessible.
Either way, injuries from premises liability accidents are expensive and life-changing. No matter how severe your injury is, you deserve to receive compensation for your damages.
Types of Premises Liability Cases
Premises liability is an extremely broad category, with lots of different types of cases nestled inside based on the location and the cause of the accident and resulting injuries. Here are a few of the most common.
Slip and Falls
Slip and fall accidents are, unfortunately, very common. They can occur pretty much anywhere, from shops to restaurants. Slip and falls are caused by messes, wet surfaces, spills, uneven flooring, and more. They can easily cause severe injuries such as head, back, neck, and spine damage.
In the case of a slip and fall accident, a property owner may be liable for failing to clean up a mess within a reasonable amount of time. By owning property, they owe a certain duty of care to keep those who enter the property safe from harm. By failing to clean up spills or fix other hazards, they’re breaking this duty. A breach of this duty is also referred to as negligence.
Inadequate Maintenance
If a property owner fails to maintain their property, many types of hazards can come to light, such as:
- Uneven flooring
- Broken steps
- Broken locks or windows
- Broken windows
- Loose tiles
- Mechanical failures
- Leaks
- Exposed wires
- Obstructed walkways
- Otherwise unsafe living conditions
Inadequate maintenance can occur in all types of properties but are most common in rentals. If you’ve lived in a rental, you likely understand the headache that comes along with submitting a maintenance request. If a request has been ignored and the hazard causes an injury, the property owner could be liable.
Inadequate Building Security
Also referred to as negligent security, inadequate building security can include the following:
- Lack of security staff
- Lack of proper lighting
- No locks or security measures
- No security cameras
When there is a lack of security in places like clubs, bars, and at events, people get hurt more easily. Some examples of incidents that can occur because of negligent security include theft, sexual assault, or other violent acts.
Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries are known for occurring most frequently on a friend, family member, or even stranger’s property. If the dog’s owner fails to warn you about their potentially dangerous animal, they may be liable for any accident that occurs because of the dog.
Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pool accidents can occur at public pools (like at schools or universities) or private pools (like one at a friend's or family member’s house). Swimming pool accidents may occur because of hazards like slippery surfaces or uneven flooring. They may also occur because of negligent supervision.
Negligent supervision can occur when a teacher, lifeguard, or another adult responsible for looking after a child isn’t paying attention to what the child is doing. Because they aren’t watching, the child may hurt themselves. The parent may then be able to sue for any damages that occurred as a result of their child’s injury.
Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevator and escalator accidents may take place within rental properties, shopping malls, or hotels. If there’s an issue with the elevator or escalator that causes an injury to occur, the property manager or the company hired to evaluate the safety of the elevators/escalators may be at-fault and therefore held liable.
Types of injuries caused by faulty elevators and escalators include:
- Crushing injuries
- Extremity injuries
- Amputation
- Paralysis
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