Every property owner has a duty toward visitors, although to what degree varies by state. Much depends on why a person who came onto a particular property was there. If an accident occurs that causes injury to the non-property owner in New York, there may be grounds for filing a premises liability lawsuit.
Basically, anyone stepping onto another person’s property can be classified in one of three categories. He or she may be an invited guest, or a worker or service provider of some sort. A person or group of people may be licensed to use a particular party for personal purposes; thus, they are considered “licensees” to the property. There is also a chance a visitor may be trespassing.
Commercial property owners, like private owners, are obligated to make every reasonable effort to provide a safe environment to all patrons and visitors. This may include making sure certain areas are properly lighted and ground sections are free from hazards, such as construction debris. If someone slips and falls or has another type of accident that results in injury, a property owner may be held liable if negligence is determined as a causal factor in the incident.
If a person is unsure whether a particular situation constitutes grounds for filing a premises liability lawsuit in New York, that person can enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate the events leading up to and following the accident to identify any and all possible sources of liability. From there, he or she can act as a personal advocate to seek compensation for damages in court.
Source: FindLaw, “Property Owners’ Legal Duty to Prevent Injury“, Accessed on April 6, 2017
