Commercial property owners and managers must take reasonable measures to keep customers safe. When they fail to provide clear warnings about dangers, or they do not fix hazards within a reasonable amount of time, customers who suffer injuries may have grounds for injury claims.
There are several scenarios that could lead to an injury claim. Common examples include:
- Slips and falls;
- Poor or improper maintenance;
- Elevator and escalator accidents;
- And fires.
If you were injured in an accident on another person’s property, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal-injury lawyer will guide you through the claims process.
Our legal team can assess your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income and other damages. We will help you fight for the highest possible settlement, and if your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Until then, read on to learn four common causes of premises liability claims:
1. Slips and Falls
Falling is a leading cause of visits to emergency rooms in the United States. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, approximately 8 million people visit emergency rooms for falls each year. More than 1 million of these visits are due to slips and falls.
If there are any hazards on a property that may cause a visitor to trip or slip, then the owner must provide suitable warnings or fix the problem in a reasonable amount of time.
2. Poor or Improper Maintenance
Commercial property owners must conduct reasonable maintenance to prevent injuries to customers. If the owner or manager fails to maintain the property and an oversight causes an injury, then the victim may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
Here are a few examples of hazards that improper maintenance can cause:
- Broken stairs;
- Worn or lifted carpets;
- Uneven flooring;
- And poor lighting.
3. Elevator and Escalator Accidents
Elevators cause approximately 27 deaths each year in the United States, according to the Los Angeles Times. Many large shopping complexes have multiple elevators and escalators throughout the premises, and if these cause an injury due to poor maintenance, the victim may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
4. Fires
Building owners must take reasonable measures to prevent fires. Depending on the building and the circumstances, the property owner may have an obligation to provide clearly marked escape routes and fire exits to use in the event of a fire. The owner may also have to place fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas.
If you sustained an injury on someone else’s property in Iowa, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids personal-injury attorney can assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation.