Every property owner owes their guests a duty of care. However, commercial property owners are legally responsible for ensuring visitor safety on their premises. When commercial property owners or resident businesses fail to maintain their premises, injury victims have rights that a premises liability attorney can help you uphold.
If a commercial property owner’s negligence left you injured, professional legal representation is critical. An experienced Dover commercial property liability lawyer at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya can review the facts of your case and protect your interests.
Getting Injured on a Commercial Property
During the course of a week, you likely visit a variety of commercial properties, including stores, markets, and restaurants. One thing you probably do not consider while conducting your daily activities is the risk of injury. When property owners fail to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition, visitors are more likely to be injured.
Premises liability is the branch of the law that determines negligence-based compensation for injuries sustained on commercial or private properties. Negligence here refers to the commercial property owner’s failure to uphold the same reasonable safety standards that other property owners would under similar circumstances.
Safety Precautions Taken by Other Reasonable Property Owners
If other reasonable commercial property owners had taken a different action or avoided the action taken by the owner in question, it could demonstrate negligence. Delaware law requires that commercial property owners be proactive about their guests’ safety. This means being aware of potential risks and taking appropriate action within a reasonable time.
Warning Guests
When a safety concern cannot be adequately addressed swiftly enough, commercial property owners are responsible for prominently posting warnings that inform guests of the risk. For example, when a spill is being cleaned, there should be warning signs to notify those on the premises of the slippery area.
Commercial property owners are required to resolve safety concerns they are aware of or could reasonably know about promptly. If you suffered injuries due to a commercial property owner failing to fulfill this responsibility, a skilled attorney in Dover can investigate to prove premises liability.
How Do Slip and Fall Accidents Occur?
One of the most common types of premises liability claims is slip and falls. These falls can cause severe injuries, and the risk is even greater when they occur from a height, such as from a staircase. Common causes of falls on commercial properties include:
- Inadequate lighting
- Icy or slippery surfaces
- Malfunctioning escalators or elevators
- Tracked-in moisture and debris from outdoors
- Frayed, torn, bunched, or worn floor coverings
- Poorly designed, constructed, or maintained staircases
- Cracked, broken, or disintegrating sidewalks or pavement
- Overcrowded walkways with displays, equipment, or other items
Another common commercial property liability claim stems from injuries caused by negligent security, which may lead to violent crimes. Swimming pool accidents and falling objects also fit into this category. If you were injured on someone else’s commercial property in Dover, a lawyer can determine whether you have grounds to file a premises liability lawsuit.
Call an Experienced Commercial Property Liability Attorney in Dover
Being injured due to a property owner’s negligence can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you were just going about a normal day. A compassionate Dover commercial property liability lawyer at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya can advocate for your rights and pursue an optimal claim outcome on your behalf. Contact us online or call us today to learn more about how we can help.