A discussion of premises liability basics in New York

We hear about premises liability cases quite frequently, especially in New York. Most of the ones that make the news have to do with commercial properties and serious injuries resulting from slip and fall accidents or falling objects. But premises liability is a broad topic that can include a variety of injury types and can happen in a multitude of different locations.

According to the New York City Bar website, if someone is injured while lawfully on another person’s property, the owner may be liable for those injuries if negligence is involved on the part of the owner. There are several elements that need to be proven in a premises liability case. First, it needs to be shown that the victim was on the property lawfully. In some rare circumstances, a person may be on the property unlawfully and still receive compensation for injuries. We will discuss this issue more in our next post.

Secondly, there has to be proof that the property owner’s negligence led to the unsafe conditions. This may mean, for example, that the owner knew about the issue and never fixed it or fixed it but did not do so in a way that made it safe.

Finally, a victim needs to be able to show that that negligence caused his or her injuries. There are many scenarios that can include all of these elements, such as if an individual was hired to cut grass on a property and was attacked by a dog. Those who have been injured on another person’s property may benefit from reaching out to an attorney to discuss their case.