Business owners, and sometimes managers, have a legal obligation to maintain their property in safe condition. This involves identifying and correcting any dangerous conditions on the premises. Where the danger cannot be removed, it also involves providing sufficient warnings. This relationship is defined under commercial premises liability.
Under these laws, an employee, vendor, or customer who gets injured on a business premises can hold the owner liable for the ensuing losses. A Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney can be of great use in such a case.
Commercial Premises Liability
Premises liability stipulates the relationship between any property owner and a visitor to their property. Commercial premises liability, on the other hand, is specific to business owners. It obligates a business owner to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition.
Customers and passersby could enter a business premises at any time. These people have the right to visit the property without their safety being jeopardized. Should a business owner fail to uphold this duty of care, they could be considered negligent.
A business owner’s duty under commercial premises liability is to maintain the safety of people on their property. This involves correcting any hazards or providing sufficient warning. However, the law does not impose unreasonable standards on them. It only covers reasonable care and preventable hazards.
It is important to note that a business owner, in this case, could refer to a landlord or tenant. Some landlords relinquish liability to tenants upon signing the lease.
Common Commercial Premises Liability Claims
Commercial premises liability generally covers all accidents that happen on a business property. As there are many ways an accident could happen, liability claims involve a wide range of circumstances. For instance, you could pursue a claim against a business if an employee assaults you.
The most common commercial liability claims include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall refers to an accident where you slip or trip and fall due to a dangerous condition. It is the most common type of commercial liability claim and can be reported in chain stores, amusement parks, museums, or even airports.
Overall, slip, and falls can be caused by conditions such as:
- Slippery or wet floors
- Loose floorboards
- Uneven flooring
- Loose carpeting
- Presence of snow, ice, water, or mud on the floor
Building Defects
A building defect often develops due to inadequate or lack of maintenance. Common circumstances, which could cause an accident, include low ceilings, missing guardrails, slippery floors, and missing or loose tiles.
Negligent Security Measures
If a property is situated in an unsafe location, property owners should take security measures to ensure the safety of customers and employees.
Contact a Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney
Visitors to a business establishment are protected by commercial premises liability laws. If you get injured while shopping at the local grocery store or visiting a museum, you could be eligible for compensation. An experienced Hudson County Personal Injury Attorney can inform you of your rights.
At The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we are passionate about the rights of accident victims. Attorney Carbone invests his time, resources, and experience in helping his clients get the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at 201-829-3829 to discuss your premises liability case with him.