When many people hear “personal injury,” their minds go to car crashes, dog bites, or medical malpractice, some of the leading causes of injuries that result in claims. However, those aren’t the only kinds of cases. Several other kinds of personal injury cases exist and may be relevant to your life.
Have you ever tripped on an uneven sidewalk while out for a morning run? Slipped in a freshly mopped grocery store aisle without a caution sign? Hurt your foot stepping on a broken floorboard? Been injured by broken glass at a hockey game?
If so, you may have a premises liability claim and may be eligible for compensation.
What is premises liability?
Premises liability cases arise from injuries that occur on someone else’s property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their property reasonably safe for visitors. The premises may include homes, businesses, rental properties, and even public spaces.
What are some common examples of unsafe conditions that may lead to injury and a premises liability case?
If there is a hazardous area on a property, the owner must fix or warn about it to visitors. Many situations can lead to injury, including the following:
- Icy or snowy sidewalks or parking lots
- Broken stairs, loose floorboards, or other building maintenance issues
- Uneven or crumbling sidewalks outside of a business
- Unmarked slippery floors after mopping or an uncleaned spill
- Electrical hazards like exposed wiring
What must be proven in a premises liability case with a business owner?
To win a premises liability case against a business owner in Minnesota, your claim must show that:
- A hazardous condition existed on the property (such as a wet or slippery floor, poor lighting, loose carpeting, icy walkway, etc.).
- The business owner knew or should reasonably have known of this condition, through inspection or actual notice.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps either to remedy the hazard or to warn customers (invitees) of its presence.
- The hazardous condition directly caused the injury suffered by the customer.
- The injured person was a customer (invitee), entitling them to the highest duty of care under Minnesota law.
It looks different if the injury happened at a home, as that has a different standard. Always speak with an attorney when discerning what legal standard applies.
When should you seek legal help?
If you’ve suffered an injury from a hazardous condition on someone else’s property that has resulted in medical bills, missed work and lost wages, long-term symptoms, or other side effects, you may benefit from speaking to a personal injury attorney, especially if the property owner is not taking responsibility or the insurance company is giving you a low-ball settlement offer.
Contributed to by Abby Chalmers.