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What Common Dangers Cause Premises Liability Claims?

By Jason Bottlinger on July 15, 2023

Property owners in Nebraska are responsible for maintaining the safety of their premises to prevent harm to those on the property. When they fail to do so, property owners may be held liable for resulting injuries that occur on the property. The following are some common dangers that give rise to premises liability claims.

Slip or Trip and Fall Hazards

Slip or trip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims. Various hazards on a property can cause customers, guests, or other visitors to fall, including:

• Wet or slippery floors
• Uneven floor surfaces
• Spilled food or drinks
• Torn carpeting
• Merchandise left in store aisles
• Cracked or uneven sidewalks
• Broken staircases
• Poor lighting

Negligent Security

Property owners have to provide adequate security for those invited onto their property. Restaurant and nightclub owners, retail store owners, apartment building landlords, and other property owners and operators must take reasonable measures to prevent third-party criminal acts from injuring customers, tenants, guests, and visitors. Visitors who become victims of robbery, assault, rape, and other crimes due to negligent security may hold property owners and operators accountable in premises liability claims.

Hazardous Conditions

Many hazardous conditions on a property can lead to premises liability claims. Common examples include:

• Defective elevators
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Environmental hazards, such as lead paint, asbestos, or mold
• Dangerous staircases with missing or broken handrails, damaged or slippery steps, poor lighting, debris on the stairs, and other hazards

Property owners are responsible for addressing these issues to prevent injury to others. If you have been hurt due to the dangerous condition of someone else’s property, it is important to document the hazard, take pictures if you can, and seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites fall under the category of premises liability if an animal attacks you on someone else’s property. Nebraska has strict liability laws concerning dog bites. Dog owners may be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their animals, and victims are not required to prove negligence on the part of the owner. The exception is when a person injured by a dog is unlawfully on the owner’s property at the time of the attack.

Dog attacks can cause severe injuries. Dog bites that puncture the skin can lead to serious infections. If a dog has bitten you or your child, seek medical treatment immediately. Be sure to document the attack, including the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and where and how the attack occurred.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pools are a common environment for premises liability claims. Dangers associated with swimming pools that can lead to drowning or accidents and give rise to claims against property owners include:

• Inadequate fencing
• Lack of warning signs
• Improper pool maintenance
• Lack of pool safety equipment
• Improper handling of pool chemicals

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe swimming pool environments. Pool owners may be held liable for injuries caused by their negligence.

Legal Help for Premises Liability Claims

Property owners are not automatically liable for any and all injuries occurring on their premises. To recover damages in a premises liability claim, you must prove your injuries were caused by a hazard existing on the property that the owner was aware of or reasonably should have been aware of and that they failed to correct or warn you of the dangerous condition.

Your best chance at recovering total compensation for your injuries is to have an experienced Omaha personal injury attorney handle your case. Contact Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free initial consultation.