What Are the Common Causes of Premises Liability Claims?
Premises liability claims arise when someone is injured on property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment, and failing to meet that duty can result in accidents that cause serious injuries. When these incidents occur, victims often face not only physical pain but financial and emotional challenges as well. Being aware of the typical causes of premises liability claims isn’t just useful—it can make a real difference after an accident. By reviewing these hazards, you can better understand how injuries occur and what actions can protect your rights if you believe someone else is legally responsible for your injuries.
At Goodwin Johnston LLC, we help individuals understand their rights and pursue personal injury claims in Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Joseph, Springfield, Columbia, and St. Louis, and Kansas, including Kansas City, Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, and Topeka. Reach out to us today for legal assistance in a premises liability claim.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
One of the most common reasons people file premises liability claims is slip-and-fall accidents. These incidents can happen almost anywhere, including retail stores, sidewalks, or private homes. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained stairs often contribute to these injuries.
Wet or slippery floors: Spills, recently mopped areas, or outdoor conditions like rain or ice can create hazardous surfaces.
Uneven or broken flooring: Cracked tiles, loose carpeting, or uneven sidewalks increase the risk of tripping.
Obstructions in walkways: Boxes, cords, or clutter left in high-traffic areas can cause someone to fall.
Poor lighting: Dimly lit areas make it difficult to see hazards, leading to accidents.
Falls can result in sprains, fractures, head injuries, or more severe conditions. When these incidents occur, pursuing a personal injury claim can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and related costs.
Inadequate Maintenance and Unsafe Conditions
Property owners are expected to maintain safe environments. When they fail to repair hazards, injuries may occur. A common scenario involves defective building structures or unsafe environmental conditions.
Broken railings or stairs: Missing handrails or weak steps can lead to dangerous falls.
Faulty elevators or escalators: Mechanical failures or poor maintenance pose a risk of serious injury.
Unsafe flooring materials: Surfaces that become slick when wet or degrade over time may not be adequately addressed by property owners.
Defective lighting or electrical issues: Malfunctions can lead to falls, shocks, or fire hazards.
Injuries caused by maintenance failures often give rise to personal injury claims. Our experienced personal injury lawyers work with clients to identify negligence and gather evidence, thereby supporting their cases effectively.
Hazardous Conditions Outside the Property
Premises liability claims aren’t limited to indoor accidents. Outdoor hazards on property or surrounding areas can also lead to injuries. Sidewalks, parking lots, and yards often present risks that property owners are responsible for addressing.
Icy or snow-covered walkways: Failure to remove snow or ice can result in slip-and-fall injuries.
Potholes or uneven pavement: Poorly maintained parking lots or streets can cause people to trip or damage vehicles.
Overgrown vegetation: Bushes or tree roots can obstruct pathways, creating tripping hazards.
Poor drainage: Standing water can increase the risk of slipping or attract pests that create additional hazards.
Outdoor injuries often require careful documentation of the property conditions. We assist clients in collecting evidence, including photos, witness statements, and maintenance records, to strengthen personal injury claims.
Accidents Involving Animals
Another common cause of premises liability claims involves animals. Property owners may be held responsible if their animals injure someone, particularly if they knew or should have known about the animal’s dangerous behavior.
Dog bites: These can cause serious injuries and emotional trauma. Laws often hold owners liable if the dog has a history of aggression or wasn’t properly restrained.
Animal attacks in public spaces: Injuries caused by aggressive animals in parks or pet-friendly businesses can lead to claims.
Negligence in animal care: Failing to secure animals, leaving them unsupervised, or allowing hazardous conditions can make the owner liable.
Personal injury claims related to animal attacks often involve both medical and emotional damages. We help clients determine liability and pursue compensation to cover their losses.
Fires, Explosions, and Toxic Exposures
Premises liability claims may arise from serious incidents such as fires, explosions, or exposure to hazardous substances. Property owners must address these risks to protect visitors.
Faulty wiring or electrical problems: Poorly maintained electrical systems can trigger fires.
Gas leaks or chemical spills: Exposure to toxic substances may cause injuries or long-term health effects.
Negligent use of flammable materials: Improper storage or handling of dangerous substances can result in explosions or burns.
Lack of smoke detectors or fire safety measures: Failure to provide adequate warnings or emergency equipment can lead to avoidable injuries.
In these cases, personal injury claims often involve extensive documentation and collaboration with professionals to assess the extent of the damages. Our firm works closely with clients to identify responsible parties and pursue compensation for medical bills and property damage.
Injuries in Commercial Establishments
Businesses have a legal obligation to maintain safe environments for customers and employees. Failure to do so can result in premises liability claims.
Slippery floors in restaurants or stores: Grease, spills, or recently cleaned floors can cause accidents.
Defective equipment: Malfunctioning machinery in gyms, warehouses, or stores may injure patrons or workers.
Falling objects: Poorly stocked shelves or unsecured items can lead to serious injuries.
Unsafe construction areas: Businesses that don’t clearly mark or block off hazardous construction zones may be liable for accidents.
When injuries occur in commercial spaces, personal injury claims often focus on proving negligence. Our firm helps clients collect surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs to build a strong case.
Criminal Acts on Property
Finally, premises liability claims can arise when criminal acts occur on property due to inadequate security measures. Property owners may be liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
Assaults in parking lots or public spaces: Poor lighting or lack of security can contribute to violent incidents.
Thefts and break-ins: Property owners can be held liable for failing to address known risks or for failing to maintain security systems.
Negligent security staffing: Businesses that hire undertrained or insufficient security personnel can face liability.
Personal injury claims in these cases can be complicated, requiring proof of the owner's awareness of the risk and inaction. helps clients gather evidence and connect the incidents to the property owner’s responsibilities.
Let Us Help You After Your Injury
Premises liability claims cover a wide range of incidents, including slips and falls, animal attacks, fires, and criminal acts. At Goodwin Johnston LLC, we work with clients who’ve suffered personal injury due to unsafe conditions, helping them understand their rights and pursue claims.
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, we serve clients throughout Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Joseph, Springfield, Columbia, and St. Louis, as well as Kansas, including Kansas City, Lawrence, Manhattan, Wichita, and Topeka, providing support every step of the way. Reach out to us at Goodwin Johnston LLC today to get started with your claim.
