Premises Liability

Identifying Common Premises Hazards

Residential and commercial property owners are required by law to perform regular maintenance of their property and ensure the safety of their visitors and guests. Common property defects that cause serious injuries include:

• Shoddy building construction
• Inadequate property maintenance
• Unfilled holes in lawns or other surfaces where people walk
• Hidden defects, such as weak floorboards or black ice in parking lots
• Noncompliance with applicable state and local building codes
• Inadequate lighting in high-traffic areas
• Poor stairway design and maintenance
• Dangerous or defective flooring
• Outdated or dangerous electrical wiring
• Outdated, malfunctioning, or defective plumbing
• Broken glass that is not cleaned up quickly
• Defective heating and cooling systems
• Inadequate building repairs
• Structural failures
• Ineffective ice and snow removal
• Wet or slippery surfaces

We represent people in Nashua, New Hampshire and the surrounding areas who have been seriously injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence, regardless of accident type or cause.

Property Negligence

Property owners have an obligation to repair potential hazards and warn visitors of known defects. Otherwise, they may face a premises liability lawsuit if an accident occurs. If you have sustained serious injuries on property that is not your own, contact our New Hampshire personal injury lawyers at Gottesman & Hollis, P.A.

Common Types of Premises Accidents

• Dog Bites
• Inadequate Security Cases
• Construction Accidents
• Workplace Accidents
• Slip & Fall
• Nursing Home Abuse
• Swimming Pool Accidents
• Gas Explosions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is premises liability?

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility property owners or managers have to ensure their property is safe for visitors. If someone is injured due to unsafe conditions, the property owner may be held liable for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

2. What types of accidents fall under premises liability?

Common premises liability cases include:

• Slip and fall accidents due to wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces.
• Dog bites caused by negligent pet owners.
• Inadequate security cases leading to injuries or assaults.
• Construction site injuries due to unsafe working conditions.
• Swimming pool accidents from lack of fencing or improper maintenance.
• Nursing home abuse caused by facility neglect.

3. Who can be held liable in a premises liability case?

Liable parties may include:

• Property owners
• Landlords
• Property management companies
• Businesses operating on the premises
• Contractors responsible for maintenance or repairs

4. How do I prove negligence in a premises liability case?

To establish negligence, you must prove:

1. The property owner owed you a duty of care. For example, businesses owe a duty to customers to keep their premises safe.
2. The owner breached that duty by failing to address or warn about a hazard.
3. The breach directly caused your injury.
4. You suffered damages such as medical bills or lost income as a result of the injury.

5. What compensation can I recover in a premises liability case?

You may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

6. What should I do after being injured on someone else’s property?

• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Document the accident scene by taking photos and gathering witness information.
• Report the incident to the property owner or manager.
• Consult with an experienced premises liability attorney to understand your legal options.