Premises liability is the liability for a landowner for certain injuries suffered by persons who are present on the premises. Premises liability cases are also known as “slip and fall” cases. Every year, thousands of people in the United States suffer serious injuries due to a “slip and fall accident” or a “trip and fall accident.” Landowners are responsible for managing safe conditions on the property they own. These types of accidents can occur inside or outside, at a residence, place of public gathering or a place of business.
If you find your self in a “slip and fall” situation, contact Suddarth and Koor, LLC. The liability of owners and occupiers of property will vary depending on the legal rules and principles in place in the state where the slip and fall injury occurred.
In Missouri, the owner and possessor of property are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe manner. This includes public areas such a malls, hotels, and businesses. Something may appear harmless at first glance, like a cracked or poorly lit walkway, but can cause a serious accident.
In a potential premises liability case, it must be determined if the property owner was aware or should have known of the hazard that caused the injury. This can also include the knowledge that the property was constructed and maintained according to the building ordinances and codes.
The most common premises liability accidents are slip, trip, and fall accidents. This can happen in improperly maintained hallways, stairways, walkways, and parking lots.
Another way premises liability that can occur is through the presence of biohazards such as lead, carbon monoxide, and mold. Property owners much regularly inspect their property to make sure there are no gas leaks and that smoke detectors are working.