Premises Liability: Who is Responsible in a Slip and Fall Accident

The property owner is responsible if someone slips and falls due to improper maintenance of the premises because of “Premises liability”. The owner(s) of the property must ensure that their properties are safe and free from hazardous conditions (tripping hazardous, slippery floors, poor outdoor lighting, etc.).

The aftermath of a slip and fall accident can be very serious and it may cause permanent disability. A slip and fall accident will also leave you with other issues including, medical bills, loss of income and other related expenses.

Types of Premises Liability

There are three distinct types of Premises Liability:

• Homeowner Liability: The homeowner must ensure that their property is safe. They may be held responsible if someone slips and falls due to their negligence.
• Renter and Landlord Liability: It is a complex matter when someone is injured in a slip and fall accident in a rented property. The landlord may be held responsible because it is his/her duty to ensure that the property is safe and free from hazardous conditions.
• Business Owner Liability: A common form of premises liability is business owner liability. Business owners are responsible for keeping their premises free from the hazardous conditions (wet floor, salted sidewalks and lobby weather mats, etc.).

What is Premises Owner Responsibility?

Property owners are responsible for the safety of their guests, customers or tenants. If someone is injured as a result of a slip and fall on the premises of a negligent owner, the owner is liable for providing compensation to the injured for:

• Medical Bills
• Missed Pay Checks
• Pain and Suffering
• Disability or Disfigurement

Emotional Distress

• And more

What Must Be True?

The following must be true for a property owner to be held liable for an injury suffered through a slip and fall on their premises:

• The property owner caused the dangerous condition such as a spill or other slippery, hazardous surface.
• The property owner ignored the hazardous condition, such as a snow-covered walkway that was not cleared in a reasonable timeframe.
• The property owner did not correct the hazardous condition even after being notified (for example: notifying a landlord of a broken step but it was not fixed, and it resulted in an injury).

Have You Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident? Contact Us!

Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. has experience in helping victims of slip and fall accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident caused by the negligence of a property owner, call our slip and fall accident lawyer at (201) 690-7735/ (866) 971-0927/ (866) 971-0927.