4 Common Premises Liability Injuries That You Need to Know!
Published on May 10th, 2021 by The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm
What is Premises Liability?
Premises Liability refers to cases where you are injured while lawfully on another’s property. In these cases, the property owner can be liable for your injuries if they were a result of the property owner’s negligence. Negligence, in short, means the failure to act with a level of care that a reasonable person would in similar circumstances. In other words, if a property owner failed to use reasonable care in connection with their property to ensure the safety for those on the property, and someone was injured as a result, there may be grounds to file a premises liability claim.
Each person that steps foot onto someone else’s property may be at risk for injury. The attorneys at The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm, Dworkin and Maciariello, want you to be aware of the scenarios that may be grounds for a premises liability case.
Common Premises Liability and Injury Cases
Every premises liability incident is different. However, some premises liability incidents are more common than others. Depending on the incident, the injuries can range in severity. In some severe cases incidents may lead to traumatic injuries including brain and spinal cord injuries that could require extensive medical care and continued treatment. Some of the most common examples of premises liability cases include, but are not limited to the below:
- Slip and Falls are one of the most common forms of premises liability incidents, resulting in over 800,000 hospitalizations each year. Slip and falls generally occur when someone falls from dangerous steps, platforms, staircases, elevators, escalators, or other raised surfaces. In addition, loose flooring, carpeting, cords, liquid left on the floor, or other obstructions may cause one to trip and fall.
- Preventable chemical spills, fumes, and fires, which could lead to injuries including both burns and respiratory issues.
- Domestic Animals, including dogs, may behave unpredictably and bite or attack. The victim may need stitches, surgery, or therapy due to the attack.
- Unsafe buildings, which may include falling or unsecured objects, damaged stairs or railings, and more.
Examples of Premises Liability Incidents
- Your landlord recently decided to fumigate your building for insects, but no announcement was made to you, the resident. As a result, you are overcome with fumes and are hospitalized.
- You are delivering a package to an apartment. As you are walking down the front stairs, the loose hand railing becomes unsecured causing you to fall down the remaining steps and break your leg.
- You are walking on a public sidewalk and a dog running at large without a leash attacks and bites you, causing nerve damage and requiring surgery.
What if I am Injured at a Friend’s House?
Picture this: You are invited to a friend’s house to watch a Cubs game. While stepping outside for a quick breath of fresh air, you trip on a broken stair on the porch that you weren’t warned about, but the owner was aware of, and in the process you injure your right knee. After treatment in the emergency room, you learn you’ve torn a ligament and will require surgery and six months of physical therapy. The reality is, you may never completely recover.
In scenarios like this, many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies cover injuries that guests sustain while at another’s home. You can obtain your friend’s policy information to help cover the costs of your medical bills. Attorneys at The Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm can help you navigate that process.
Big Hammer…Big Results! Call Us Today
If you have been injured in a premises liability accident, call The Illinois Hammer today. Our attorneys can help you decide on the next important steps to help you on your road to recovery, both physically and financially. Our attorneys have over 25 years of experience in premises liability and have recovered millions for our clients. We are ready to hammer the insurance company for you. Big Hammer, Big Results! Call today!
