Premises Liability: When Property Owners Are Responsible for Injuries

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors, employees, and customers. When that duty is neglected, serious injuries can occur—often leading to complex legal disputes over liability. Understanding premises liability law is essential for both property owners and those who have been injured due to hazardous conditions.

What Constitutes a Premises Liability Claim?

Not every accident on someone else’s property results in a valid legal claim. However, property owners may be held liable if an injury occurs due to:

• Unsafe walking surfaces (wet floors, uneven pavement, or loose carpeting)
• Negligent security leading to assault or harm
• Building code violations that create hazardous conditions
• Poor maintenance (broken stairways, malfunctioning elevators, or exposed wiring)

Proving Negligence in Premises Liability Cases

To establish liability, the injured party must demonstrate that the property owner knew—or should have known—about the dangerous condition and failed to address it. Evidence such as surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness testimony can be crucial in proving negligence.

Cherry Johnson Siegmund James has extensive experience handling premises liability claims. Each case is unique, requiring careful investigation and legal analysis. Whether representing an injured party or advising a property owner on risk mitigation, our firm is committed to protecting our clients’ interests.