Accidents can happen anywhere, and they often occur when we least expect them. When you enter a shopping mall or another commercial establishment, you expect the area to be reasonably safe. Unfortunately, store owners and managers sometimes neglect basic maintenance or fail to warn customers about hazards.
These oversights can cause devastating injuries that cost a veritable fortune to treat and prevent victims from returning to work.
If you were injured due to the negligence of a commercial property owner, manager or employee, then you may have grounds for a premises liability claim. The liable party may have to pay your medical bills, lost income and other damages related to the accident.
If the incident happened in Michigan, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates. A personal-injury attorney in Detroit will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.
Let’s take a look at five common causes of premises liability claims:
- Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are a leading cause of injuries in the United States. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, approximately 8 million people require emergency medical care for falls every year. At least 1 million of these patients are injured in slip and fall accidents.
Store owners have a responsibility to fix hazards in a reasonable amount of time and to perform reasonable maintenance to keep customers safe. They must also warn patrons about wet floors and other dangers on the premises. If they fail to do this, then they may be liable for damages if a customer injures him or herself.
- Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Malfunctioning escalators and elevators can cause devastating injuries and even fatalities. Most large shopping complexes have some form of escalator or elevator on the premises, which can be dangerous without regular maintenance and inspection. If the equipment does not meet legal standards and safety regulations, and a customer suffers an injury as a result, then the victim may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
- Improper Maintenance
Commercial property owners must perform reasonable maintenance to keep customers safe. If a patron suffers an injury due to a lack of maintenance, then he or she may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
- Fires
All commercial buildings must comply with fire regulations. This includes taking steps to prevent fires and outlining safe evacuation routes. If the property owner does not take the necessary measures to keep customers safe from fires, then he or she may be liable for injuries that result.
- Ice and Snow Accidents
According to the Health and Safety Authority, ice and snow are common culprits behind slip and fall accidents. If a customer sustains an injury due to ice or snow buildup in the parking lot or entrance, then he or she may have grounds for a premises liability claim.
If you were injured on a commercial property in Michigan, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates. A Detroit injury lawyer will protect your interests and guide you through the claims process.
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.