The legal system assumes every person has a duty of care toward those around them and should take any reasonable steps to provide for their safety. If homeowners or businesses fail to ensure that their property is safe, victims who suffer injuries in an accident may be able to file a premises liability claim, a type of personal injury claim allowing you to collect compensation for your damages.

Understanding Negligence

Like any other personal injury case, premises liability claims hinge on demonstrations of negligence, which means not all injuries automatically provide grounds for a suit. To prove negligence, you must be able to show that the property owner either knew or should have known about the conditions that caused the accident, and failed to take reasonable steps to correct them. While they can’t always be held liable for conditions they didn’t know about, in some cases their ignorance about the hazards on their own property can constitute its own kind of negligence.

Common Examples of Premises Liability Injuries

Dangerous property can cause a variety of accidents, but the most common are slips due to unsafe walking conditions. Poorly lit outdoor areas, spills left in store aisles, and broken asphalt all present hazards to customers and guests, potentially resulting in serious, life-changing injuries. Many people are also injured by broken guardrails, falling debris, and other avoidable hazards.

Owners’ Liability

Business owners are legally liable for the behavior of their staff, so they can actually be named in a suit even if they weren’t on the premises at the time of the accident. Depending on the nature of your injury, your lawyer may also identify other responsible parties, such as manufacturers of defective equipment.

If you or a loved one has suffered because of a property owner’s carelessness, call on the Charles H. Brower Law Corporation. As one of Honolulu’s most respected personal injury law firms, they have the expertise and resources to ensure you get the maximum award for your damages. To speak with an accomplished attorney and schedule a consultation, visit their website or call their offices at (808) 526-2688.