While we expect commercial property owners to exercise duty of care and subsequently maintain safe premises, accidents can still happen. Columbus commercial property accidents come in numerous forms, which means it is important to contact an experienced lawyer from the area if you suffer harm. You could win damages if you were on the property legally and sustained injuries due to owner negligence.
A seasoned personal injury attorney will go over your claim to help you make the critical decision of how to move forward with your case. Depending on the severity of your injuries and their causes, you might be eligible for a substantial damages award.
Common Accidents on Commercial Properties in Columbus
Commercial property accidents in the Columbus area typically occur because of owner negligence. Negligence occurs when a property owner does not take steps to maintain safe premises or provide warning signs and temporary fencing to section off dangerous areas. Some of the most common commercial premises accidents include:
Slip and Falls
Property owners that do not take care of slippery surfaces or provide adequate warning signs can cause plaintiffs to sustain head trauma, neck, back, and spinal cord injuries, broken bones, torn muscles and ligaments, and nerve damage. Severe falls often occur on commercial properties due to wet store floors from liquid spills, walkways slick with oil and other greasy substances, and stairs coated with ice. Poor lighting can also result in
trip and fall accidents.
Defective Elevators and Escalators
Both elevators and escalators can cause
catastrophic injuries, such as finger and toe amputations, head trauma, back and neck injuries, lacerations, and broken bones. If they are not up to code and maintained regularly, elevators and escalators become hazards instead of convenient ways to navigate large commercial buildings.
Amusement Park Accidents
Like escalators and elevators, amusement park rides require diligent maintenance to avoid premises liability suits. Severe injuries and
fatalities can occur depending on the park ride involved, including its speed and height at the time of the accident.
Swimming Pool Hazards
Public swimming pool owners become liable for property accidents if they do not keep the pool area safe. Lack of quality fencing, for example, turns the pool into an attractive nuisance that can harm children. Young children often do not consider the dangers pools can present, which can result in grave injuries or drownings.
Additional Maintenance-Related Accidents
Many other commercial property incidents occur because of poor maintenance, such as failing to fix hanging live wires, allowing toxic fumes to enter a workspace, and letting water leaks worsen and cause issues such as mold infestations and flooding. These and many other accidents can have serious if not fatal results. Therefore it is important to enlist the service of an attorney who has experience handling a variety of premises liability claims.
Proving Commercial Property Owner Negligence
To prove a commercial property owner in Ohio violated their duty of care, the plaintiff must first prove they were an invitee or licensee, not a trespasser. Those who enter properties illegally are not owed a duty of care and therefore rarely can claim damages. If the plaintiff was invited to the property, such as a customer in a store, they are owed safe premises. The same is true of licensees, such as salespeople, affiliates, and suppliers who have implied or express permission to visit the property.
Once a claimant can prove they were allowed on the commercial property in Columbus, they must prove the owner’s negligence directly caused their injuries. This can be difficult to do on your own, so it is advisable to reach out to our team of qualified attorneys for guidance.
Speak with a Lawyer About Your Commercial Property Accident Today
If you are among those who have sustained injuries because of Columbus commercial property accidents, speak with a seasoned member of our team immediately. You could be entitled to damages such as medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Contact our firm today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
