Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know there is often confusion between premises liability and slip-and-fall claims. This confusion arises because slip-and-fall incidents are one of the most common types of premises liability cases, leading many to conflate the two.
Both concepts involve property owners’ or occupiers’ responsibility for injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe conditions. However, while premises liability encompasses a broad range of incidents, including structural defects, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient security, slip-and-fall claims specifically deal with injuries resulting from slipping, tripping, or falling due to hazards like wet floors or uneven surfaces.
This overlap can cause people to mistakenly use the terms interchangeably despite their distinct legal scopes. Here, our Georgia personal injury lawyers explain the difference between the two.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability is a broader legal concept that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for incidents and injuries caused by unsafe conditions on their property.
It covers a wide range of incidents, including but not limited to:
- Slip and fall incidents.
- Trip and fall incidents.
- Injuries caused by falling objects.
- Dog bites.
- Swimming pool incidents.
- Elevator and escalator incidents.
- Inadequate maintenance or repairs leading to injuries.
- Inadequate security leads to assaults or other criminal acts.
In premises liability cases, the individuals or entities that can be held liable for incidents and injuries typically include property owners, landlords, tenants, or property managers. Essentially, any party responsible for the maintenance and safety of the property can be liable if negligence leads to hazardous conditions.
What are Slip and Fall Incidents?
Slip-and-fall incidents are a specific type of circumstance that falls under the umbrella of premises liability. They occur when someone slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.
Common causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors.
- Uneven or broken walkways.
- Poor lighting.
- Obstacles or debris in walkways.
- Loose or damaged carpets or rugs.
Understanding the distinction between these concepts is essential for injury victims when determining liability and seeking compensation. We can help.
Contact our skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This initial step will ensure your rights are protected and enable you to make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.