New Jersey premises liability attorneys: when a property hazard causes your injuries
Premises liability is the area of law that deals with a property owner’s responsibility for injuries suffered by others on the property. As a general rule, property owners, both commercial and residential, have a duty to keep their property in safe condition. When a customer, guest, or anyone on the property for a legitimate purpose is injured because of an unsafe condition, the owner or business in control of the property could be liable.
At Zager Fuchs, P.C., our New Jersey premises liability lawyers have successfully litigated and settled many such cases.
Proving premises liability in New Jersey
You are not entitled to compensation from a property owner simply because you suffered an injury on his or her property. To mount a successful New Jersey premises liability case, you will need to prove that the property owner was negligent. The negligence could consist of a failure to maintain the property or even the failure to warn guests of a potential hazard.
Specifically, you will need to prove that the property owner:
- Created the condition that caused your injury, or
- Knew about the condition, or
- Should have discovered it.
You will also need to show that the owner had the opportunity to fix it.
Typical premises liability cases
Most premises liability cases arise on commercial properties like shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, although they can take place in private residences. Many involve injuries due to falls, and, as a result, are known as slip and fall or trip and fall cases.
Numerous conditions can be the source of a premises liability claim including, but not limited to, the following:
- Slippery or dangerous walkways.
- Missing or inadequate handrails.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Malfunctioning elevators and escalators.
- Falling products or materials.
- Inadequately supervised or fenced swimming pools.
- Fires and explosions.
- Electrical hazards.
- Release of toxic substances.
- Dog attacks.
- Porch, balcony, or other building collapse.
New Jersey negligent security cases
In addition to keeping visitors safe from physical hazards on their property, commercial and rental property owners have a duty to keep visitors safe from human hazards, i.e., criminals. Owners of commercial and rental properties are not generally liable for crimes committed on their premises. However, they should have reasonable security measures in place to protect customers or residents from foreseeable criminal attacks. Shopping malls, bars, restaurants, hotels, and motels, as well as apartment buildings, colleges, and hospitals, have a duty to ensure their customers, residents, and students are safe from assaults, robberies, rapes, and other violent crimes.
Contact New Jersey premises liability and negligent security lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured or victimized due to a property owner’s negligence, you have a right to hold the property owner responsible. Our New Jersey premises liability lawyers will help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the New Jersey premises liability lawyers at Zager Fuchs, P.C., for a free case evaluation.
Zager Fuchs, P.C.
New Jersey personal injury attorneys
E-mail
Phone: 732-747-3700
Fax: 732-747-2533
P.O. Box 489
268 Broad Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701
