Claims for Property-Related Accidents
If a person is hurt while visiting another person’s property, this could lead to a premises liability case. This depends on whether it was the owner’s action or omissions that somehow led to the accident and the person’s injuries. To determine negligence, a qualified attorney with McDonald At Law in York needs to examine the facts and determine if the situation warrants a premises liability claim.
Common situations that justify a premises liability lawsuit include:
- Sharp and protruding objects
- Electrocution accidents
- Failure by property owner to fix known risks of harm
- Dangerous hazards on property
- Defective security claims
- Poor lighting
- Holes in floor or trip hazards
- Slip and fall accidents
These and many other situations may be the reason a visitor was hurt while on another’s property. When that happens, the injured party should seek a consultation with a dedicated attorney to determine if they are entitled to financial compensation.
Legal Duties Owed by York Property Owners
Property owners will owe a different level of care to different people, based primarily on their legal status while visiting the property. This legal status is mainly determined by whether the person had permission to be on the property and their purpose for visiting. A well-versed lawyer with McDonald At Law could explain which of these categories the injured party falls into, and how much responsibility property owners hold for their injury.
Trespassers
Trespassers are owed the least duty of care. In fact, they are owed almost nothing. Property owners are only required to avoid purposeful, wanton, or willful harm to a trespasser by creating a dangerous condition. Certain exceptions may exist for children, if there is an “attractive nuisance” on the property such as a pool.
Licensees
A licensee is afforded more duty of care. They are on the property with express or implied permission of the property owner, but for their own benefit. This is often a social guest, friend, or a solicitor. Property owners must warn a licensee of known dangers but are not generally expected to take the same level of precautions as with invitees.
Invitees
An invitee is invited by the property owner—either expressly or impliedly—to be on the property for a purpose that benefits the property owner. Most often, this occurs in the business or public space context. A person’s presence on the property benefits the owner by creating income or revenue for them.
Invitees are afforded high-level protections. This includes the requirement for the property owner to warning of known dangers, remediate known hazards, and conduct reasonable inspections to discover hazards.
Get in Touch with a Premises Liability Attorney in York
A premises liability case can leave you significantly injured. A simple slip and fall can lead to devastating injuries, or a trip on dangerous stairs can break bones or leave you paralyzed. No matter the extent of your harm, you deserve consideration of your case.
An experienced York premises liability lawyer has the knowledge needed to pursue your claim and help you seek monetary damages. Contact McDonald At Law today.
