A premises liability action is a claim brought against a negligent property owner. Most premises liability cases happen in commercial locations such as grocery stores, gas stations, office buildings, and other similar establishments, but they can also occur on private property.

Examples:

You are shopping at your local grocery store and fall, sustaining an injury resulting from a foreign substance that was left on the floor.

You are invited to a home and sustain an injury resulting from a broken stair.

Slip and fall claims can be tricky because you must show that the owner's negligence caused the injury. In order to prove negligence, it must be proven that the owner knew that there was a dangerous condition or, by the nature of his operation, should have known.

Although thankfully not as common, you may also have a claim against a property owner for any injury you sustain as a result of the failure to provide adequate security on the premises.

Property owners generally have the responsibility of anticipating hazards and should be responsible for maintaining their premises in a safe condition, but, all too often, they clean up or fix the danger after you are injured, thus removing the evidence.

It is extremely important that you document your accident with photographs immediately. If at all possible, take pictures of the hazard that caused the injury. Gather as many witnesses as you can and ask them for their names and telephone numbers.

Contact The Law Offices of Timothy O'Hare & Associates for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured on another's property.