Premises Liability Lawsuits and Cases - FAQs

Premises liability lawsuits cover a wide range of accidents that can occur on a person’s property. The property owner can be held liable for a number of injuries that a guest sustains. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions people have about these sorts of lawsuits.

What is premises liability?

Premises liability is the legal responsibility of an owner or occupier of property to ensure that their property is safe for visitors.  The liability of the owners or occupiers of property will vary by state.

I was injured at a grocery store; could I have a premises liability lawsuit?

Yes, accidents and injuries that occur at a store may be cause for a premises liability lawsuit.  Other common locations where accidents occur are: amusement parks, swimming pools, sidewalks, or on public transportation. An experienced Sacramento premises liability lawyer will be able to review the circumstances around your case and determine if a premises liability lawsuit is warranted.

What is the legal status of the visitor mean?

Some states will require you to determine what your legal status was on the property at the time of the accident.  While on the property, were you an invitee, a licensee, or a trespasser?  An invitee is someone who was invited onto the property by the owner or entity, such as a person on public transportation.  A licensee is a person who was invited to the property by the owner, such as a social guest.  Finally, a trespasser is not invited onto the property and has no right to be there.

I was injured while a guest at someone’s house when I fell off a step that was broken.  The homeowner knew about the broken step but forgot to mention it to me. Do I have a premises liability lawsuit? 

Premises liability law is very complex and an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide you with information about filing a lawsuit after reviewing the circumstances of your accident.  However, in some states more consideration is given to the condition of the property and the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain a safe environment or to post warnings than other states.  When you contact an attorney who is well-versed in premises liability law and the statutes therein, he or she will be able to tell you if your particular situation is cause for a premises liability lawsuit.