Premises Liability Attorney in Birmingham, AL

There are basically two forms of private property: commercial and residential property. When a person is injured on private property owned by somebody else, the property owner may face liability for the injury regardless of whether the property is used for commercial or residential purposes. The rules of personal injury liability on private property vary state by state as well as by whether the property is used for residential or business purposes.

For business owners, they probably already know that if a person slips and falls at their business’ premise, they’re a prime target for a lawsuit. At the very least, they’ve probably seen the personal injury lawyer advertisements on daytime television that promise to hold businesses accountable for their negligence and get the injured parties the money they deserve.

A premises liability attorney may discuss points should you belong to any of the following types of visitors in a private property ( may not be limited to the following ):

• Business Invitee – are people who come to a premise for the purpose of some kind of business. People who own or control property owe the greatest duty of care to business invitees. They are required to exercise due care and diligence to keep the property in a safe condition and to warn invitees of any danger the owner knows or should know about.
• Licensees – are people who come as guests, that is, with the actual or implied permission and knowledge of the property owner. This includes guests in private homes and visitors who go to visit a friend in an office. The person responsible for maintaining the property must not intentionally injure an invitee and is required to repair or warn about any danger that the owner has discovered. This is a little less care than a person must show to invitees. With the invitees, there is more of a duty to check and be aware of dangers around. With licensees, the owner generally has to correct what is known.
• Trespassers – are owed the least amount of care. These are people who are present on the property without the knowledge or permission of the owner or occupier. That could include someone up to no good or someone who just takes a shortcut across the corner of a lot.

A premises liability attorney may point that the law distinguishes between adult and child trespassers. The basic duty of a landowner to a trespasser is not to intentionally injure, such as by setting a trap and the owner has a duty to warn about a known danger. Owners owe a greater duty of care to children who trespass if the danger has been created by the owner or tenant.

Types of injuries include minor cuts and bruises, broken hips, arms or legs, back injuries, or brain and spinal cord injuries. In severe cases death may occur. Damages can be awarded for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, or funeral expenses for the wrongful death of a loved one.