
Premises Liability Attorneys Indianapolis, IN
Premises Liability Attorneys Helping Those Injured on Private and Public Property
Holding negligent parties accountable
Stores, restaurants and other organizations have a responsibility to maintain reasonably safe premises for customers and guests. When they fail to do so, they may be guilty of negligence that causes significant personal injury. If you need to take action against negligent property owners who failed to maintain adequate safety and security, a dedicated personal injury lawyer with Ward & Ward in Indianapolis can help. We have years of experience in premises liability law and are eager to help you explore your options.The responsibility of property owners
The owners of a property must maintain premises that are reasonably safe for those who visit. If they don’t, an injury to a guest could ensue. As the victim of an injury sustained while on another’s property, you should understand the circumstances that must be present to effectively hold the property owner liable. The most common issues related to premises liability are slips and falls, which typically occur on commercial properties. Because it is assumed that customers are on the premises at the invitation and benefit of the business, the property owner has an obligation to make the facilities reasonably safe. The injured party must not have contributed to the accident, and it must be demonstrated that the owner did not take the actions required to fix a potential hazard in a timely manner.Understanding unsafe premises
By broader definition, a building defined as unsafe by Indiana law should be reasonably identifiable as such by a prudent person. The following are identifying factors:- Structurally impaired to an unsafe extent
- A fire or public health hazard
- A public nuisance
- In violation of building maintenance law
- Vacant and not reasonably maintained for habitation
- Liquid hazards on the floor: When a liquid is spilled on a floor, it needs to be cleaned up immediately because of the hazards it can pose to anyone walking on the wet surface. Without any kind of warning sign, such as the type that a business should place when they have recently cleaned the floor, most people cannot tell that there is liquid on a floor.
- Floor or ground surface issues: When the surface a person walks on has surface issues, there is a much higher risk they will slip or trip and fall. This can be uneven pavement, loose boards, or parking lot curbs that are not marked.
- Snow and ice on walkways: All walkways should be cleared of snow and ice and owners should make the best effort to ensure these areas stay clear of ice by using appropriate materials, such as sand or rock salt.
- Poor lighting: Entryways and stairwells should have adequate lighting to ensure that anyone walking in these areas can see where they are going.
- No handrails: Every municipality has building codes that must be adhered to. One of these regulations is that stairways and ramps should have handrails for users to hold on to in order to avoid falling.
- Tripping hazards: There are certain objects that pose significant risks for residents, visitor, or employees to trip. These objects include wires, rugs, mats, and cords.
- Ladders: Ladders are a falling hazards to people in the workplace.
Speak with a knowledgeable Indianapolis premises liability attorney
After you’ve been injured on another party’s property, call the team at Ward & Ward at 888-316-3449 or contact us online. We offer free initial consultations, and our office is conveniently located near Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case you need us in an emergencyClient Review
"One of the best firms I've experienced! Honest, timely, and excellent when keeping me informed. Highly Recommend!"
Fred H.