Tis the season for holiday shopping, travel and gatherings. The time between Thanksgiving and New Years’ Day, is a busy one -with more shoppers in the mall, more travelers on the roads, and more families playing host for holiday parties.
With all the “extras” this time of year, there are also a lot of extra hazards and liabilities for homeowners and business owners alike. Let’s take a look at:
- Premise Liability for Home and Business Owners
- Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
- Proving Negligence in A Premises Liability Case
- What to Do If You Become Injured During the Holidays
Premise Liability for Home and Business Owners
Many families will play host for holiday gatherings and festivities in the weeks to come. When they do, they should know they have a legal obligation known as premises liability.
Essentially, this means that homeowners and business owners alike have a duty to keep their premises in a safe and hazard free condition.
Honing in on homeowners, here are some things to consider. Take for example if you have a house remodeling project underway, there could be hazards in that space. Perhaps its extension cords lying on the floor, exposed sharp objects or electrical wires, or wet floor surfaces. All of these hazards could lead to catastrophic injuries for an unassuming guest.
For this reason, you would want to keep guests out of this space or provide adequate warnings that this area could be dangerous. Failure to do so could make a homeowner liable to a premises liability lawsuit if a guest becomes injured.
Additionally, when entertaining, hosts should ensure walkways and stairs are clear of hazards – this can include electrical cords and wires, throw rugs, and other loose items that could lead to a slip and fall accident. Homeowners should also ensure outside walkways are clear of ice and snow for their guests.
Another hazard most homeowners don’t think about involves their household pet. Although loving and friendly, animals can become agitated and anxious when their home is filled with unfamiliar guests. With 4.5 million dog bites reported in the United States each year, it is always best to play it safe.
When hosting a party, consider keeping your pet in a separate room away from guests, or find a place for your pet to go for the evening or day.
While we discussed the responsibilities of homeowners, business owners should follow the same precautions to avoid a premises liability lawsuit.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Premises liability encompasses restaurants, grocery stores, office buildings, apartment complexes, parking lots, other people’s homes, or buildings that are considered to be someone’s property.
Slip and fall injuries happen every day, and in many cases, they could have been avoided if proper precautions were taken. Here are some of the most common causes of premises liability accidents:
- Improper lighting
- Wet and slippery floors
- Torn carpeting
- Uneven sidewalks
- Potholes
- Unsafe or narrow Stairs
- Objects lying in walkways
Again, if you’re hosting a party this holiday season – check for any hazards. And, if you’re out and about and become injured due to a negligent business or homeowner, you may be entitled to compensation.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
When proving negligence in premises liability cases, the injured party has to prove that the business or homeowner knew, or should have known, that a danger existed on their premises and that they had enough notice to fix the hazard yet failed to do so.
You may also have a premises liability case if the owner caused the dangerous condition.
One of the most common premises liability injuries is the result of a slip and fall accident. Even the smallest of injuries can lead to unplanned medical bills and pain that makes it tough to enjoy day-to-day activities or to complete tasks associated with employment.
Premises Liability Attorneys in York, Pa.
If you’ve suffered deep cuts or scrapes, severe bruising, sprained ankles, broken bones, spinal cord or head injuries, or any other type of injury due to the negligence of a home or business owner, contact our premises liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine right away.
Insurance companies work hard to deny premises liability claims. That’s why you need a team of experienced personal injury attorneys on your side to fight back and get you the compensation you deserve.
Our premises liability lawyers are available 24/7 for a free case review, and as always, we never charge a fee until we win for you.