Lawyers Holding Property Owners Responsible In Cincinnati Premises Liability Claims
Whether you are walking through a public space, visiting a business or relying on the owner of a property that you rent to keep that property secure, a negligent property owner can be a risk to your health and safety. You could stumble and fall, be bitten by a dog, be the victim of a crime or be harmed in another way.
At Minnillo Law Group Co., LPA, we work with personal injury clients in Ohio and Kentucky to protect their rights after a wide variety of accidents, including premises liability cases. When the property owners you rely on have not done the work to ensure that their property is safe, we will do the work – the work to hold them accountable, work with you to ensure that your injuries are fully accounted for and work to get you the medical and financial support that you need to recover.
Premises Liability Cases Come In Many Forms
There are a wide variety of ways that a property can present a hazard to those passing through it.
These dangers can include:
- Hazardous conditions like slippery floors or uneven sidewalks that can cause falls, trips or stumbles
- Dogs that are not fenced or under control
- Poor lighting
- Unfenced swimming pools or pools that are not properly lifeguarded or maintained
- Poorly maintained security precautions like video cameras in parking lots or locks on entrances
- Building code violations
- Merchandise, work tools or other heavy objects that could fall from a height
One of the primary factors of whether or not property owners could be held liable for accidents on their property is whether they could have foreseen the dangerous condition that caused the injury. If they have not taken reasonable precautions to keep their property safe, you might be eligible for compensation.
Establishing Fault In A Premises Liability Claim
The focal point of any premises liability claim is to establish fault, providing explicit evidence that the property owner or occupier failed to uphold their duty to maintain a safe environment. Unfortunately, we see the consequences of a poor standard of care more often than not, and our experienced attorneys know what factors to examine to show a defendant was at fault.
To prove negligence, you, as the injured party, must establish that the defendant owned, leased, occupied or controlled the property and was negligent in its maintenance or use. Additionally, you must show that this negligence was a significant factor in causing harm to the plaintiff. Supporting evidence such as maintenance records, witness accounts and photographs can strengthen your claim.
Understanding these elements is crucial for navigating the complexities of premises liability and ensuring that you receive the support and recompense you deserve.
Premises Liability On Commercial Vs. Residential Property
While premises liability claims on commercial property are arguably more common, injuries occur on residential property as well, if not as frequently. Commercial property owners are generally held to a higher standard of care; as their spaces serve the public, they are expected to prioritize visitor safety. On the other hand, residential owners have a hierarchy of care management, with the highest standard set for guests, followed by licensees and then trespassers receiving the lowest level of care.
Routine inspections, sufficient lighting and clear signage are vital measures to prevent accidents in both environments. While you expect signs warning of a wet floor or tape blocking a dangerous area at a store, residents may need to post no trespassing signs or put up fencing around swimming pools to avoid liability. At the heart of it all, however, is a commitment to safeguarding individuals, whether they are patrons of a business or guests in a home. Our goal is to guide all parties involved through the legal landscape of a premises liability claim without adding any undue stress.
Work With An Attorney After Your Accident
If you have been injured on someone’s property and believe that they did not take the necessary precautions to prevent that injury, we can help. Call us at 513-723-1600 or contact us online to speak with an experienced Cincinnati premises liability attorney.