When you visit someone else’s property – perhaps a store or restaurant – you should never encounter any unnecessary or unexpected dangers. The store owner, business owner or restaurant owner should have resolved any potential dangers as soon as they presented themselves. At the very least, the store owner or manager should have posted warning signs to help you avoid getting hurt.
Failure to resolve dangers on a property could leave the store owner financially liable if you get hurt.
Situations that result in liability for a property owner
Generally, an injured plaintiff can hold a property owner liable for financial damages when he or she can prove one of the following:
— The property owner caused a spill, a torn spot in the floor, a dangerous surface or a slippery situation, or left a tripping hazard out in the open that resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries.
— The property owner or his or her agents knew about a potential danger, security risk or tripping hazard on a property but didn’t resolve the situation or post warning signs in a timely fashion to prevent visitors from getting hurt.
— The property owner should have been aware of the danger that caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Had a reasonable person been in charge of managing the property, the danger should have been discovered, repaired and resolved.
Were you injured on someone else’s property?
Regardless of what happened to cause your injuries on another person’s property, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Then, as soon as you are able, take the time to review the circumstances that caused your injuries for signs of property owner liability.
If you tripped and fell because of poor lighting, poorly maintained floors, slippery surfaces or items left in the open in a disorganized fashion, there’s a chance the property owner will need to pay for the costs associated with your medical care. Also, if you were physically assaulted or robbed on someone’s property, the owner could be liable for failing to provide adequate security.
There are many other scenarios that could point to property owner liability. If you’re not sure, make sure to determine your legal rights and options in the context of New Jersey personal injury laws.