How Long Does a Hazard Need to Be Present for a Property Owner to Be Found Liable?

When it comes to premises liability law, the amount of time a hazard needs to be present for a property owner to be found liable depends on each case. Every property owner, public or private, is responsible for maintaining a safe space. If a party is negligent in a way that puts others in danger, they could be responsible in a case regardless of the amount of time a hazard was present. 

This means victims of accidents and injuries could have grounds to take legal action if a third party did not act reasonably to remove a potential hazard. In many cases, victims are eligible for various types of financial compensation. 

Types of Property Hazards that Could Lead to Losses

When you leave the comfort of your own living space, your safety is in the hands of others to a certain extent. Whether you are shopping at a business, visiting a friend, or walking in a park, there are many ways in which you could find yourself on a third party’s property. 

Some of the types of hazards you could encounter while on a third party’s property include (but are not limited to):

• Slippery surfaces 
• Failure to remove snow, ice, or other hazards
• Animals that are not secure
• Structural damages 
• Objects that could potentially fall
• Lack of fire exits or detectors
• Exposure to harmful chemicals
• Lack of security personnel
• Broken stairways or elevators

If a property owner does not act reasonably to maintain safe premises, the amount of time a hazard needs to be present may not matter. Every situation is different, so if you were involved in a premises liability dispute or were injured on a third-party property, speaking with a lawyer could be helpful.

Injuries and Losses that Could Entitle You to Damages

Victims of premises liability cases can suffer tremendously. Sometimes accidents and injuries are minor, and in other cases, they are much more severe. If you or a loved one were in an accident, you could end up suffering physically, emotionally, and financially. 

• Physical injuries: Victims in premises liability cases can suffer from cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, injuries to the head or neck, dislocations, disfigurement, and more. In some cases, victims require long-term medical care and could miss out on the opportunity to work. 
• Emotional suffering: Accidents can be traumatic, and many victims experience depression, stress, anxiety, and other repercussions. 
• Financial implications: Victims in premises liability cases can also suffer financially. Expensive medical bills, lost property or wages, and other factors can leave you struggling to make ends meet. 

If you or a loved one were the victim of an accident, you could have options and rights as a victim. 

Damages You Can Include in Your Claim

Victims of accidents caused by hazards that should have been removed could be entitled to financial compensation. If you suffered in any way from an accident, you have legal rights and options available. 

Following a successful legal claim, you could potentially recover one or more of the following forms of compensation:

• Compensation for lost or damaged personal property
• Reimbursement for legal fees
• Reimbursement for medical expenses related to an injury caused by a hazard
• Damages for emotional trauma and suffering
• Lost wages

Being the victim of an accident can be very traumatic for you and your loved ones. While legal action is not appropriate for everyone, it could help you recover the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering a third party caused. 

Contact the Attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law Today to Get Started

If you would like to know more about the options available to you following an accident on a third party’s property, the team at High Stakes Injury Law is available to help you through this process. We can answer your questions and help you make an educated decision regarding whether filing a claim is right for you. 

Depending on how long a hazard was present, a property owner could be liable for your injuries, accident, and suffering. Call today for a free consultation.