What is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners and managers have to ensure their property is safe for visitors. In Connecticut, this means property owners must take reasonable steps to maintain their premises and address potential hazards. If someone is injured on their property due to negligence, they may be held liable for the damages.

This duty extends to anyone legally on the property, such as guests, customers, or delivery personnel. However, it typically does not apply to trespassers. One of the most common premises liability cases involves slip and fall accidents, but the category covers much more.

How Do You Prove a Premises Liability Case?

To succeed in a premises liability case in Connecticut, you must prove the following elements:

• Duty of Care: The property owner owed you a duty to maintain a safe environment.
• Breach of Duty: The property owner or manager knew about or should have known about a hazardous condition but failed to address it.
• Causation: The unsafe condition directly caused your injury.
• Damages: You suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering, as a result of the injury.

Proving that the property owner or manager knew about the hazard can be challenging. However, you may be able to demonstrate their knowledge by:

• Showing the hazardous condition existed for a long enough period that they should have noticed it.
• Providing evidence that employees or others reported the issue but no action was taken.
• Pointing to similar incidents involving other people on the property.

Common Types of Premises Liability Claims

While slip and fall accidents are the most frequently filed premises liability claims, there are many other scenarios where injuries on someone else’s property may lead to legal action. These include:

• Dog Bites: Injuries resulting from an owner’s failure to control or restrain a dangerous dog.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Unsafe conditions due to poor upkeep, such as broken stairs or faulty railings.
• Negligent Security: Injuries caused by criminal acts that could have been prevented with proper security measures, such as lighting or security cameras.
• Falling Objects: Injuries from unsecured items falling from shelves or other high places.
• Poor Water Safety: Injuries from improperly maintained pools or failure to install safety measures like fences or covers.
• Negligent Supervision: Injuries involving children due to inadequate supervision or failure to secure dangerous areas.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Case?

If you’ve been injured on someone else’s property in Connecticut, you may be eligible to recover compensation for several types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and medication costs.
• Lost wages from time missed at work during your recovery.
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the future.
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress.
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Mental anguish or psychological trauma caused by the incident.

Many premises liability claims are covered by the property owner’s insurance policy, which may provide the financial resources you need to recover and move forward with your life.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else’s property in Connecticut, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we’re here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and work tirelessly on your behalf.

Call us today at 475-231-3274 for a FREE consultation. Let us help you hold negligent property owners accountable and get the justice you deserve.