What Do Private Property Owners Have To Do To Keep Visitors Safe?

According to most state laws, owners of private property have a duty to keep their properties safe for visitors.  What this means can be interpreted in several different ways, but there are some basic facts that apply to most situations.  In general, keeping property safe for visitors involves removing any hazards as soon as possible and warning visitors of hazards that cannot be removed.  It is important for property owners to be alert to these dangers so that visitors are not harmed.  However, some property owners fail to take basic precautions, and others are injured as a result.

Types of Personal Injuries on Private Property

While by no means exhaustive, the following are some of the most common types of personal injuries experienced on private property, and what owners are usually required by law to do in order to make their properties safe in these circumstances:

  • Trip and fall hazards. Some of the most common problems of all on private property are slip, trip, or fall hazards.  Broken concrete, uneven walkways, cluttered staircases, and hidden tripping hazards all contribute to falls and injuries.  It is very important for property owners to keep a close eye on their property and remove any tripping or falling hazards that they encounter immediately.  Further, property owners are required to keep floors and walkways free of water or ice that could lead to falls.
  • Biting animals. While dogs are by far the most common biting animal that causes personal injuries, any animal is capable of inflicting harm on a person.  Owners are required to control their animals at all times to prevent such accidents, whether they are at home or out on the street.  These types of injuries can be serious or even life-threatening and may constitute a significant personal injury claim against the property owner.
  • Commercial properties. While homeowners have a duty of care to protect visitors, personal injury law is often applied in cases in which someone is injured on private commercial property.  This could include anything from a slip and fall to an armed robbery that occurred due to lax security at the place of business.  Commercial property owners, like residential owners, are required to keep any visitors safe from harm, and these types of properties are more likely to have multiple visitors in a day than residential properties.  Any injury at a commercial property may involve a personal injury lawsuit against the company, which can quickly become very complicated.

At Barber & Associates, we help those who have suffered personal injuries of all types.  Whether your injury was caused by the negligence of a private property owner, a vehicle driver, or some other person, we are here to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, expenses, and pain and suffering.  Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you get your life back to normal and recover fully from your injuries.

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