5 Common Premises Liability Accidents and How to Prevent Them
| May 29th, 2023
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure the safety of individuals on their premises. Premises liability accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. Knowing the five most common types of accidents and how to prevent them can minimize the risk of injury and limit your liability.
The 5 Most Common Premises Liability Accidents
As a property owner, it’s essential to know the most common accidents that may occur on your property. Many premises liability cases involve the following types of accidents and damages:
Slips and falls are among the most common types of premises liability accidents, with around 800,000 people hospitalized across the U.S. annually due to a fall injury. They can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, or obstacles in walkways. Injuries from slips and falls can range from minor bruises and cuts to serious head injuries, broken bones, and even death.
Trip and fall accidents can occur because of loose floorboards or rugs, uneven sidewalks or steps, and debris or clutter on the ground, causing you to lose balance and fall. You may sustain minor scrapes and bruises or more serious injuries like head trauma or broken bones.
Trips and falls can be especially dangerous for older adults or people with mobility issues; 95% of hip fractures (often fatal for seniors) are caused by falling sideways.
Accidents due to falling objects can occur when objects are improperly secured, shelves are overloaded, or due to construction work around a property. Injuries from falling objects can be severe, including head injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
Swimming pool accidents often involve drowning or near-drowning incidents. Around 4,000 people fatally drown yearly in the U.S.; for every fatal drowning, another 10 people require hospitalization for nonfatal drowning injuries.
Common causes include inadequate fencing, slippery or wet surfaces, and faulty pool equipment. Injuries from swimming pool accidents include minor cuts and bruises to serious brain damage or death.
Elevator or escalator accidents can occur due to various reasons, such as mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or inadequate safety features. Injuries from these accidents can be severe, including broken bones, head injuries, and death.
Elevator accidents are more common in commercial or residential buildings with multiple floors, while escalator accidents often occur in shopping malls or transportation hubs.
Tips for Property Owners to Protect Visitors
As a property owner, there are practical steps you can take to prevent accidents and potential liability. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your property is in good condition and free of hazards. Take the following steps:
- Repair any broken steps, handrails, or loose floorboards
- Replace burnt-out light bulbs and ensure proper lighting
- Use proper signage to alert visitors to potential hazards
- Adhere to safety regulations, such as building codes and fire safety standards
- Promptly address potential hazards, such as spills, leaks, or ice
- Keep an open line of communication with visitors to report any safety concerns
You may face significant consequences if you are found liable for an accident on your property. This can include legal fees, medical expenses, and compensation for the injured party’s pain and suffering.
As a property owner, you likely have insurance to protect your interests in case of accidents that cause injuries to visitors. Your insurance should cover medical expenses, legal fees, and pain and suffering associated with a visitor’s or guest’s injury on your property.
However, if a person files a claim, it could increase your yearly premiums and multiple claims could cause you to lose coverage. If you don’t carry general liability insurance, you may have to pay the victim’s damages out-of-pocket.
Contact a Premises Liability Attorney to Review Your Case
Whether you’re a property owner or visitor, prioritize safety and proactively prevent premises liability accidents. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California personal injury lawyers understand the devastating impact of premises liability accidents, and we can help if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
