Who is Responsible if I Get Hurt on Someone Else's Property?

The property owner or the lessee of the property if it is a retail store or that type of thing is only responsible for injuries under two circumstances.

Number one, if the property owner actually created the hazard -- negligently created the hazard, they are responsible for any injuries that you suffer.

Second, a property owner is responsible for injuries you suffer if they knew or should've known about the hazard created by somebody else.

Let me give you an example. Sometimes when you are in a retail store, you'll see people slip and fall on a substance left on the floor. The store owner is responsible if it was a store employee who created that hazard by spilling something on the floor for example.

But the store owner is not responsible for a slip and fall accident where some unknown person, some customer, left something on the floor unless the property owner knew it was there and did not timely remove it from the floor. Or should've known that it had been on the floor for a period of time such that they were required under the duty of reasonable care to mop it up or clean it up [inaudible]

So if you get hurt in an accident, like if you trip on something, slip on some sort of substance on the floor or you are otherwise injured on someone else's property, it is wise to promptly consult with a lawyer to help understand whether or not you have any legal rights in this situation.

At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. we've been handling this type of case for over 30 years and we would be honored to sit down and talk with you about your potential case.

We do not charge for an initial consultation and if we are able to accept your case, we will do so on a no recovery, no fee basis. Please give us a call.