Understanding Premises Liability
Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners responsible when someone is hurt on their property due to unsafe conditions. This doesn’t just apply to businesses—it includes private homeowners, landlords, and even government properties.
To have a valid premises liability case, the injured person (often called the “plaintiff”) must prove three main things:
The property owner had a duty to keep the area reasonably safe.
That duty was broken because the owner failed to fix, warn about, or remove a hazard.
That failure caused the injury and led to damages such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Every case is different, but these basic rules apply to most injury claims involving unsafe property conditions.
Common Examples of Unsafe Conditions
Unsafe conditions come in many forms. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents that lead to premises liability cases:
Wet or slippery floors without warning signs.
Uneven sidewalks, broken steps, or loose flooring.
Poor lighting in hallways, parking lots, or stairwells.
Falling objects in stores or construction areas.
Neglected snow and ice removal.
Broken handrails or missing safety barriers.
Unsecured animals, such as dogs that bite visitors.
These hazards can lead to serious injuries—broken bones, head trauma, back injuries, or even long-term disabilities. Property owners are expected to inspect their property regularly and fix dangers before someone gets hurt.
The Difference Between Invitees, Licensees, and Trespassers
One factor that affects a property owner’s responsibility is why the injured person was on the property. The law divides visitors into three categories:
Invitees – These are people invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as customers in a store or clients in an office. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care. They must actively inspect for dangers and fix them promptly.
Licensees – These are social guests, like friends visiting your home. The property owner must warn them about known hazards that might not be obvious.
Trespassers – These are people on the property without permission. Generally, property owners don’t owe them much of a duty, but they can’t intentionally harm them. There are also special rules to protect children, especially if something dangerous on the property—like a swimming pool—could attract them.
Understanding which category applies is important in determining whether the owner can be held legally responsible.
Proving Negligence
Proving that a property owner was negligent takes careful investigation. A skilled attorney from Chicklo Law Group can gather the evidence needed to show the property owner knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition.
Some of the evidence that might be used includes:
Security camera footage.
Witness statements.
Maintenance records or inspection logs.
Photos of the dangerous area.
Medical reports showing the extent of your injuries.
Sometimes, property owners try to argue that the injured person was partly at fault—maybe they weren’t watching where they were walking, or they ignored warning signs. Even if that’s true, you may still recover compensation under comparative negligence laws, depending on your state. That’s why having an attorney who understands local laws is so important.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you were hurt because of unsafe conditions, you may be able to recover damages for:
Medical expenses, including future treatment or physical therapy.
Lost wages if you missed work or can’t return to your job.
Pain and suffering caused by the injury.
Property damage, such as a broken phone or clothing.
In severe cases, long-term disability or emotional trauma can also be part of your claim. An experienced lawyer can help calculate the full amount you’re owed and make sure the insurance company doesn’t offer less than you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Dealing with an injury is stressful enough—you shouldn’t have to navigate complicated legal issues on your own. A dedicated attorney from Chicklo Law Group can:
Investigate the cause of your injury.
Identify all responsible parties.
Handle communication with insurance companies.
Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if necessary.
Having a lawyer by your side ensures that your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
Final Thoughts
Property owners have a duty to keep their spaces safe for everyone who enters. When they fail to do that, accidents can have life-changing consequences. If you or someone you love was injured because of unsafe conditions, you don’t have to face it alone.
The team at Chicklo Law Group is here to help you understand your rights, gather the evidence you need, and fight for the compensation you deserve. A safe property is everyone’s right—and holding negligent owners accountable helps make our communities safer for all.