Premise Liability

Premises Liability Attorneys in York PA – Know Your Rights

In Pennsylvania, premises liability holds an individual property owner or company responsible for injuries suffered by people who are on their property. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and hazard-free for all visitors and guests.

As an example, when someone slips and falls on an ice-covered sidewalk at a business or injures themselves on damaged stairs, the injured could have a premise liability case. The duty of care by a property owner extends to anyone entering the property, including anyone working on it. If the owner is negligent and fails to fulfill this duty, anyone injured on the property may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and pain and suffering.

Understanding Duty of Care

If you are injured on someone else’s property, how do you know if the property owner had a duty of care to you? According to the law, it depends on the type of visitor you were at the time of the injury. There are three main categories of visitors who are on someone’s property.

Trespasser: A trespasser is someone who enters a property without the permission of the owners. In general, owners have no duty of care for trespassers, however, they cannot willfully cause harm. As with most laws, there are exceptions.

Child trespassers are owed a higher duty of care, especially when there is something on the property that is attractive to them and could cause harm. This is an attractive nuisance. Examples of attractive nuisances are pools and playground equipment.

Licensee: A licensee is a person who enters a property with the owner’s permission, for the visitor’s own purposes rather than for the owner’s benefit. If you are visiting a friend or family member’s home, you are considered a licensee. The property owner has a duty to inform you of any potential hazards or risks such as trip hazards.

Invitee: An invitee has the highest duty of care owed by an owner. An invitee is defined as a public invitee or a business visitor. A public invitee is someone who visits a property as a member of the public. If you are visiting a museum or an airport, you are considered a public invitee. A business visitor is someone entering a commercial or business property. When you go to the grocery store or to your place of employment, you are considered a business visitor.

Common Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability involves a wide variety of cases where an individual was injured because of the negligence of someone else. The most common personal injury premise liability claims are the result of:

  • Slips and falls
  • Dog bites and animal attacks
  • Sidewalk defects
  • Poorly lit areas such as stairs, parking lots, and steps
  • Ice-covered walkways or steps
  • Amusement park accidents
  • Spills or leaks
  • Negligent maintenance
  • Unsafe pool, hot tub, or spa

Dangerous conditions can cause accidents and injuries on someone else’s property. When someone is injured due to the negligence of someone else, a personal injury lawyer can help recover compensation for emergency medical bills, physical therapy, long-term medical care, lost wages and earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

Your Personal Injury Team

At Dale E. Anstine Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys focus on one thing and one thing only – personal injury lawsuits. If you are injured on someone else’s property – either a private residence or public property – reach out today to discuss your personal injury case. Don’t settle with the insurance company before understanding your rights after an injury.

We have represented thousands of injured victims in the York, Gettysburg, and greater central Pennsylvania region for decades. We never charge a fee unless we win your case. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here for you – get a fighter on your side today! Reach out today for a free consultation .

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