Recovering Compensation After a Premises Liability Accident
Premises liability holds private and public property owners liable for injuries or accidents that occur on their property. In Mississippi, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of any potential hazards that they may encounter.
Property Owners’ Duty of Care Depends on the Type of Visitor
Mississippi law recognizes three types of visitors on a property: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. An invitee is someone who has been invited onto the property for a business purpose, such as a customer at a store. A licensee is someone who has been granted permission to be on the property for a non-business purpose, such as a social guest. A trespasser is someone who enters the property without permission.
Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, and must take reasonable steps to ensure their safety. This includes regularly inspecting the property for potential hazards, repairing or warning of any known hazards, and providing adequate lighting and security. If a property owner fails to meet this duty of care and an invitee is injured as a result, the owner may be held liable for damages.
For licensees and trespassers, property owners have a lesser duty of care. They must only refrain from willfully or wantonly injuring the visitor and must warn of any known dangers that the visitor is unlikely to discover. However, if a property owner is aware of a danger on their property that could cause serious injury or death, they have a duty to take reasonable steps to protect all visitors, including trespassers.
Common Causes of Premises Liability Accidents
Accidents occur when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment for visitors, resulting in injuries or damages. These accidents can happen in a variety of locations, from retail stores and restaurants to private residences and public spaces. Some common causes of liability accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents due to wet or slippery floors
- Uneven or broken flooring or sidewalks
- Inadequate lighting in parking lots or stairways
- Negligent security leading to assault or robbery
- Falling objects or debris
- Dog bites or animal attacks
- Swimming pool accidents
- Exposure to toxic substances or fumes
- Electrical accidents caused by faulty wiring or electrical systems
- Inadequate maintenance of elevators or escalators.
If you have been injured on someone else’s property in Mississippi, you may be able to file a premises liability claim to recover damages. However, you have only three years to file, and beginning soon it important before evidence and witnesses disappear. It is recommended that you speak with a personal injury attorney who has experience with Mississippi premises liability law to discuss the specifics of your case and determine your legal options.
The Diaz Law Firm
At the Diaz Law Firm, we protect the rights of our clients who have been injured by a negligent business owner or others. A serious accident can have devastating consequences, with long-term pain and suffering as well as mounting medical bills and lost wages. If you were injured on a private or public location due to negligence by another, we’re here to help. Call us for a free review of your case at (601) 607-3456 or toll-free at (800) 459-2222 for the help you need now. We can also be contacted online.