Columbus Premises Liability Lawyer
Property owners in Columbus, and throughout all of Ohio, are expected to keep their premises in a safe and well-maintained condition to avoid harm to visitors. When property owners are negligent and do not provide the proper standard of care, they can be held liable for paying compensation if someone becomes hurt. While this concept is fairly simple, the law and the process of filing a claim is not. If you have been hurt, our Columbus premises liability lawyer can guide you through it so you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Common Types of Premises Liability Accidents
Accidents can happen on someone else’s property in a number of ways. Some of the most common of these include:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Dog bites and other animal attacks
- Daycare, school, and playground accidents
- Staircase accidents caused by uneven steps, torn carpeting, and more
- Electrical electrocutions and other malfunctions
- Swimming pool accidents and accidental drowning
- Ceiling or other structural collapses
- Falling objects, such as products from shelves
- Explosions and fires
- Inadequate security and related criminal activity
After being involved in any of the above types of common accidents, you will suffer serious injuries that could significantly impact your life for years to come. You will need compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. You can file a claim against a negligent property owner to obtain it.
Classification of Visitors in Columbus
Property owners do not owe the same legal duty of care to all visitors. Ohio law outlines three different classifications of visitors, as well as the duty of care owed to them. The classifications are as follows:
- Invitees: Invitees are people who enter a property for the benefit of the property owner. For example, customers at a pizza restaurant are considered invitees because their business benefits the owner. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees. They must inspect their premises regularly, correct hazardous conditions, and warn invitees of possible risks.
- Licensees: Licensees are individuals who enter a premises for non-business purposes. Social guests fall into the category of licensees. Property owners owe the same duty of care to licensees as they do invitees, but there is no obligation to regularly inspect the property.
- Trespassers: Property owners must keep their premises safe for trespassers under the age of 18. For example, a pool owner must ensure the pool area is gated and locked so young children cannot enter. Property owners do not owe trespassers over the age of 18 years old any duty of care, but they cannot intentionally harm people who are not legally on their property.
Our Premises Liability Lawyer in Columbus Can Help You Claim Damages
If you have been injured on someone else’s property, you can file a claim against them to obtain compensation. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus premises liability lawyer can advise on the law and how it applies to your case, so you can obtain the maximum damages you justly deserve. Call us now at 614-220-9100 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
