Can You Sue Someone if You Are Injured on Their Property?

Nobody likes to get hurt, especially if the injury comes at the fault of another person. The location of where you were injured can oftentimes enable you to act and pursue a lawsuit against the property owner. Not all cases of injury on someone else’s property are actionable claims, though. Before pursuing legal action against them, it’s important to know whether or not you can sue someone if you are injured on their premises liability. Below, you’ll find information about factors that play into whether you can file a lawsuit for your injury. 

What is Premises Liability?

The legal concept of premises liability exists to protect people who visit another person’s property. Under premises liability, the property owner is deemed responsible for damages that are a result of injuries occurring on their property. They have a duty to keep all premises safe for visitors. This includes keeping visitors aware of any known potential risks on their property and maintaining the land for safe use. Some common premises for lawsuits that arise from negligent owners include but are not limited to animal attacks, dangerous properties, injury from swimming pool accidents, and improper or inadequate security. If you were injured on someone else’s property and are unsure if you qualify for damage compensation, it’s best to reach out to a premises liability attorney to discuss your case details. 

Purpose for Being on the Property

Premises liability does not simply ensure that every case of injury on another individual’s property is a suable offense. It also depends on the type of visitor you are to the property. Legally, there are three types of property visitation purposes recognized by law. Such include as an invitee, a licensee, and a trespasser. 

As an invitee, the visitor is expected to be on the property for a specific and intentional purpose, as welcomed by the owner. This includes a business-consumer relationship, such as in grocery stores or clothing stores. Next, a licensee is classified as a social guest or worker for the property. A licensee classification example includes partygoers, as they are not on the property for the purpose of business. Lastly, a trespasser is someone that illegally enters the property owner’s property. Depending on your purpose for being on the property that you were injured on, you may or may not be eligible for compensation. For example, many cases of premises liability don’t pertain to trespassers, as they are unwelcome and illegally on the property itself. Such also often depends on whether the property is a residential or business property, as businesses have a higher standard of care for their patrons than guests of personal residences. 

Work With a Premises Liability Attorney

If you were injured on another person’s property and are wondering whether you may be eligible for compensation, it could be beneficial to speak with an experienced premises liability attorney. They can analyze the details of your case and identify whether you have valid grounds for a lawsuit against the property owner. To work with a knowledgeable group of attorneys, contact us, Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., to get started on your claim today.