When we venture out of our homes to do some shopping, have a fun day with our family, or even visit a friend’s house, we never expect to be injured. But when owners fail to keep their property safe, it can, unfortunately, result in serious injuries. Below are some of Ohio’s most common premises liability cases, who might be liable in a premises liability claim, and what compensation might be available to an injured victim.
If you would like to learn more about premises liability or were seriously injured while on someone else’s property and would like to file a claim, Slater & Zurz is here to help. Call (888) 534-4850 today to speak to a premises liability lawyer at Slater & Zurz for FREE.
Top 7 Most Common Premises Liability Claims
Swimming Pool Accidents
Sadly, not all homeowners and business owners take pool safety as seriously as they should, and often their carelessness results in devastating consequences. The CDC estimates there are approximately 8,000 drownings each year, and half of those, or 4,000, are fatal. And for children ages 1-4, drowning is the leading cause of death. Swimming pool accidents are often a result of fault gates or fences, loose pool covers, drain entrapment, poor lighting, inadequate depth markers, and poor supervision.
Dog Bites
Dogs can be unpredictable. If they feel threatened or provoked, they can lash out and attack. With powerful jaws and sharp teeth, dogs can inflict significant damage in a matter of seconds. Serious injuries commonly seen in dog attacks include infection, puncture wounds, facial injuries, muscle and tendon damage, loss of limb, eye injuries, and nerve damage.
Elder Abuse and Neglect
When our elderly loved ones can no longer care for themselves, we trust caregivers and facilities to provide the care they need. Unfortunately, it is all too common for those we trust to look after our loved ones actually to be the ones who cause them harm. When an elderly individual falls or is otherwise injured by unsafe conditions within the facility, the consequences can be devastating, if not fatal.
It is all too common for the nursing home staff or in-home caregivers to fail to keep the patient’s home or residential facility safe and free of hazards. Injuries or harm can result from inadequate security, negligent supervision, a failure to maintain clean and sanitary conditions, and failing to keep halls, walkways, and living quarters free of tripping hazards.
Inadequate Security
Business owners have a responsibility to keep their employees and patrons safe. If someone is harmed, assaulted, or injured due to a lack of proper security, the victim can pursue a premises liability claim. Responsible parties include property owners, management companies, and security companies.
Fire Safety and Building Code Violations
Building codes are in place to protect residents and patrons from a wide range of dangers. These codes address fire prevention, adequate exits, safe wiring, a building’s structural integrity, and sanitation when properly implemented. When these regulations are not followed, serious injuries are often the result.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Premises Liability Claim?
Under Ohio premises liability laws, the person or entity responsible for the maintenance and safety of the property can be held liable for damages sustained due to an unsafe condition or hazard on their property. Liable parties include homeowners, commercial property owners, land owners, construction companies, tenants, management companies, and security companies.
Seeking Damages in an Ohio Premises Liability Case
If you were injured on someone else’s property due to the property owner, manager, or tenant’s negligence, you have the right to file a premises liability claim under Ohio law. As an injured victim, you can recover compensation for your losses. The losses you incur will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, some common damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation, such as physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Property repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages
To learn more about the damages you might be entitled to, we recommend speaking with an experienced premises liability attorney.
Speak to an Ohio Premises Liability Lawyer for FREE
At Slater & Zurz, we firmly believe injured victims deserve maximum compensation from those who act negligently. If you were injured while on someone else’s property, you might have the right to seek compensation for the losses associated with your injuries.
Let us help you. Contact Ohio’s leading personal injury attorneys today. Call Slater & Zurz at (888) 534-4850 to schedule your FREE consultation. We are available any time, day or night. We also have offices across Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, to better serve you. Don’t hesitate. Call now or contact us online to get started.