Property owners have the responsibility of maintaining a safe premise for all those that are going to be on their property. These properties can consist of stores, malls or anywhere a consumer may go to buy something. Owners of the property should make sure to remove any hazards that may cause an accident to occur and possibly leave someone injured. If these owners fail to remove hazards from their property, they may be held responsible for negligence on their behalf.
If a property owner does not remove hazards from their property, it may affect others and cause them to be involved in an accident. Victims of these accidents may become injured and wish to seek damages in a premises liability case. If they can prove that the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about the hazard and did not take the proper steps to remove it, they may be able to hold the property owner accountable for the accident and their subsequent injuries.
What is the burden of proof?
For these cases, the burden of proof has to be fulfilled to place the liability on the property owner. If the property owner knew or should have reasonably known about a hazard on their property and did not take steps to remove it, this may fulfill the burden of proof. By fulfilling the burden of proof, it may be able to hold the owner accountable for the accident. This may cause them to be ordered to pay damages. Damages can provide economic and non-economic benefits for an injured party. This party can use economic damages to pay for medical bills, lost wages and lost future wages. They may also be able to acquire non-economic damages if their accident caused them pain and suffering or had an emotional effect on them.
What is a slip and fall accident?
A slip and fall accident can occur on a number of surfaces due to hazards that are present. In these accidents, an individual may slip from a hazard and fall, causing them to become injured. These surfaces can include sidewalks or the inside of a store. When someone is the victim of a slip and fall accident, they can become seriously injured due to their fall. They may wish to seek the liability of the owner of that property. Usually, a store owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their property. If they are proven to be negligent, they may be held accountable for an accident that has occurred. By not addressing a hazard, they can be seen as negligent and a contributor to the accident that has left someone injured.
Marc N. Needelman is an experienced attorney working throughout the state of Connecticut. Contact the law firm to set up a free initial consultation for matters, related to real estate, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, and more.
